In the face of Iranian attacks, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi weigh retaliation

The Gulf countries now face a stark dilemma. Failing to respond to Iranian bombardments risks undermining their credibility and deterrence. Yet responding would expose them to further strikes on their own soil.These unprecedented attacks have multiplied since the launch on Saturday of the U.S.-Israeli operation aimed at decapitating the Islamic Republic. Tehran retaliated by firing hundreds of missiles and drones at nine countries across the region, including six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and even Oman — long a mediator between Washington and Tehran during recent rounds of negotiations.For these regimes, which are deeply security-conscious and have spent years cultivating an image of stability attractive to investors, the shock is profound. The strikes...