Aljazeera Source 406,925 views Mar 4, 2026 #USIsraelAttackIran #IranWar #IranWarExpands
Iran has escalated its military campaign by attacking Gulf energy infrastructure, expanding the conflict beyond US and Israeli targets. Tehran’s stated strategy aims to regionalise the war and raise costs for Washington, with analysts warning this could draw Gulf states directly into the confrontation.
On an Al Jazeera discussion panel, security policy and defence analyst Wolfgang Pustai noted Iran can sustain strikes on Gulf states longer than on Israel due to its arsenal of over 1,200 short-range missiles and 12,000 drones. However, he warned this risks retaliation from Gulf air forces, which possess hundreds of modern fighter jets.
Al Jazeera correspondent Resul Serdar explained Iran is implementing its pre-war strategy of “raising the cost for Washington” and regionalising the conflict. He warned of potential escalation in stages—from energy infrastructure to strategic depots including food and water supplies, and ultimately to residential areas—if pressure on Gulf states fails to force Washington to reconsider.
Mohamad Elmasry, a Professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, argued Gulf states have significant economic leverage—including billions in US investments and oil pricing power—but face a dilemma over military involvement. He concluded negotiations, not war, were the proven path to address nuclear concerns, noting the US walked away from the Iran nuclear deal.
