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DUBAI, June  22, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Arab countries on Sunday strongly
condemned the US air strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, warning of serious
repercussions and calling for a return to diplomacy.

Iran's former regional rival, Saudi Arabia, which resumed ties with Tehran
in a Chinese-brokered detente in 2023, expressed "great concern" over the
attacks.
Gulf countries have been engaged in intense but fruitless diplomatic
efforts since Israel launched its air campaign on their neighbour Iran on June
13.
Many of the oil-rich countries host major US assets and bases, and fear
that a spillover from the war could threaten their security and economies.

Qatar, host of the biggest US military base in the Middle East, said it
feared "catastrophic consequences" for the region and the entire world.

Yemen's Huthi rebels repeated threats to target US vessels and warships in
the Red Sea after the overnight strikes, which they described as a "war
declaration" on the Iranian people.

On Saturday, the Iran-backed group had threatened to resume attacks on US
vessels and warships in the Red Sea, despite a recent truce, should Washington
strike Iran.

US President Donald Trump said the attacks destroyed Iran's main nuclear
sites, describing them as a "spectacular military success".

But his allies in the Gulf urged a return to negotiations.

Oman, which was mediating recent nuclear talks between Washington and
Tehran, strongly condemned the US strikes, labelling them illegal and calling
for de-escalation.

The United Arab Emirates also expressed concern, calling for "an immediate
end to the escalation".

Bahrain told most of its government employees to work from home until
further notice, while its foreign ministry also urged a return to talks.

The US Navy's Fifth Fleet, which covers the region, is based in Bahrain.
Meanwhile, Kuwait activated an emergency plan that includes readying
shelters.

The Tehran-backed Palestinian militant group Hamas condemned what it called
"blatant US aggression" against Iran.

Iraq, another country that hosts US bases, expressed "deep concern and
strong condemnation", government spokesperson Basim Alawadi said, calling the
attacks "a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East".
Fears are growing in Iraq over a possible intervention by Iran-backed armed
factions, who have threatened Washington's interests in the region if it joins
Israel in attacking Iran.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, largely seen as close to the United States,
urged both sides to resume talks to restore stability.

Lebanon has been reeling from a destructive conflict between Israel and the
Iran-backed Hezbollah group that ended with a fragile truce last November.

Egypt also condemned the escalation, warning of "dangerous repercussions",
while Jordan's foreign ministry voiced "deep concern".