“The Gulf (Arab) monarchies’ priority is not to be directly involved in a proper regional conflagration. They fear they would be targeted and would end up being directly hit in the crossfire,” said Cinzia Bianco, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. “They think the best way to avoid such a scenario is to make themselves very useful interlocutors for both sides and especially Iran, which is the most likely party to attempt hitting them
Abu Dhabi, UAE CNN — Growing unease over the United States’ inability to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East is prompting some of Washington’s closest Arab allies to significantly increase engagement with its primary regional adversary: Iran.
www.egyptindependent.com
Saudi spokesman confirms war games; Iran's naval chief, state media indicate joint drills with ex-foe Riyadh in Red Sea, Indian Ocean
www.timesofisrael.com