Saudi Arabia, UAE concerned about Iran’s influence in the Gulf

Paris (IraqiNews.com) UK newspaper The Guardian reported on Monday that the United Arab Emirates is the most assertive among Gulf states in its cooperation with Washington against the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Saudi Arabia is the most reluctant, noting their concern about Iran’s increasing influence on the region.

The Guardian pointed out that more than 40 countries support a US-led military plan, but not all are willing to offer direct military support. Arab participants would give a wider sense of legitimacy to Obama’s campaign. No Arab state has publicly offered to participate in military action against ISIS fighters but it is believed several have in private, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, though they have concerns in regards to Iran’s influence on the region in case ISIS is destroyed.

Leaders and delegate diplomats from many countries were gathered today for an urgent meeting that was held in Paris as the prospect of Britain joining military action against the ISIS group became closer.