Arab allies of the United States have opposed any potential American military strike on Iran as protests in Tehran entered their 19th day. The demonstrations, which began on December 28 over rising prices and economic hardship, have turned violent. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would take strong action if Iranian authorities suppress protesters, but Gulf Arab partners are urging restraint and diplomacy instead of aggression.

A Norway-based rights group, Iran Human Rights, reported that at least 3,428 protesters were killed during 18 days of unrest, citing Iranian health ministry sources. Iranian Foreign Minister Sayed Abbas Araghchi dismissed the figures as propaganda by the US and Israel, claiming extremists infiltrated the protests. Trump said he received reports that killings had stopped but did not comment on possible military action.

Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, and Qatar have called for diplomatic solutions, warning that a US attack could destabilize the region and damage their own security and economic image. Analysts noted that even Saudi Arabia, despite tensions with Iran, opposes a US strike fearing regional instability and Israeli dominance.