This AP story (thanks to Mackie), “Gulf Nations Urged to Stay Neutral on Iran,” raises an important question for Muslim states that are putatively allies of the United States: which side are you really on? We may soon find out.
KUWAIT CITY (AP) – A top Iranian leader said that if the United States ever attacked his country, he was certain that Kuwait – a key U.S. ally in the Gulf that hosts thousands of American soldiers – would not take sides.
The comments by former Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani drew no immediate public response from Kuwaiti officials, who have reacted to his visit with caution.
Rafsanjani has said he is in Kuwait to allay Gulf nations’ fears about Iran’s intentions. Instead, Rafsanjani seemed to be signaling Gulf nations that they should not take sides in the U.S.-Iran standoff.
He said any concerns in the region about the aftermath of a military confrontation were the work of “Zionists and imperialists.”