Why Gulf holds fire: avoiding broader war, limited effectiveness, prohibitive economic costs. Caution prevails.
Browsing: Restraint
China-Iran relations tested: Beijing’s restrained response—domestic focus, balancing Gulf ties, regime uncertainty.
Houthis sit out Iran war: fear decapitation, depleted weapons, Saudi pressure, China ties counsel restraint.
Houthis stay out: local priorities, devastated economy, fear of decapitation outweigh loyalty to Iran.
Gulf states have intercepted over 1,700 Iranian missiles—but restraint is wearing thin.
Trump’s State of the Union avoided housing, health care, Epstein, and Iran, offering no new policy for the midterms.
Iraq’s Iran-backed militias stayed silent during the Israel-Iran war, prioritizing domestic gains and state integration.
Trump hasn’t bombed Iran because American public opinion is overwhelmingly opposed—only 21% support initiating an attack.
Unlike previous conflicts, Iraq’s Iran-aligned factions now show restraint, having become entrenched state stakeholders. However, scenarios like a prolonged Iran-Israel war, a regime collapse in Tehran, or nuclear escalation could forcibly draw Iraq back into regional upheaval against its leaders’ will.