Iran: 'If Diplomacy Fails, We May Strike First'

The Wall Street Journal reported today (Sunday) that several Persian Gulf states, led by the United Arab Emirates, expressed frustration over U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision not to strike Iran. It should be noted that in recent weeks, Iran has attacked targets in Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates almost daily.

According to the report, the Gulf states are frustrated by the lack of a clear American policy toward Iran. They are demanding a tougher line toward Tehran. Saudi Arabia and Qatar, on the other hand, were the ones that pressured Trump to cancel the strike last night.

Qatar presented the White House with a new proposal for an agreement with Iran that would also lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the report, that is why Trump canceled the order to attack.

Alongside the U.S. report, Iranian media reported that the Qatari proposal is under discussion and may not be approved. It was also reported that if diplomatic efforts fail, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will consider carrying out preemptive attacks, even if the United States does not strike first.

Several Arab media outlets noted that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the compromise proposal formulated by Qatar for reopening the Strait of Hormuz includes vessels entering the Gulf through Iranian territorial waters and leaving through Omani territorial waters. It was also reported that Araghchi agreed to the proposal. On the other hand, a source close to the Iranian negotiating team denied that an agreement had been reached and claimed that the reports were false.