Gulf Allies Warn US of Iran Missile Threat as Tensions Rise

Gulf allies have told the United States that Iran's missiles present a deadly risk to the entire region. These warnings come as the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier reaches areas from which it can strike Iran, and talks between Washington and Tehran fail to ease the standoff over Iran's nuclear work, missile program, and support for armed groups.

Background

Tensions between the US and Iran have grown over the past year. In June 2025, the US and Israel carried out strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites like Isfahan, Fordow, and Natanz. Those attacks damaged Iran's program but did not end it. Since then, Iran has worked to rebuild and protect its facilities. New underground sites at places like Mount Kolang Gaz La and Taleghan 2 at the Parchin Military Complex are being built deeper and stronger to resist bombs. Iran has poured concrete around some structures to make them harder to hit.

The US has made clear demands. It wants Iran to stop enriching uranium, cut back its missile stocks, and end aid to groups known as the Axis of Resistance. These include militias in Iraq, Yemen, and elsewhere that have attacked US and allied targets. Iran shows no sign of agreeing. Officials in Tehran see these parts of their strategy as core to their defense. Talks started in early 2025 but have not led to any big changes.

Iran's leaders doubt that giving in would calm things down. They point to past events and say the US wants more than just these steps. At the same time, anti-government protests inside Iran have led to a harsh crackdown by the regime. The US president has spoken about helping civilians but held back from direct action.

Key Details

The US has sent major forces to the Middle East. The USS Abraham Lincoln entered the US Central Command area on Monday. It leads a group that includes warships and about 35 F-15E strike fighters now in Jordan. Tanker planes have landed at the Al Udeid base in Qatar. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this buildup is needed to protect 30,000 to 40,000 American troops in the region. He noted they face threats from thousands of Iranian drones and short-range missiles.

Iran's Military Moves

Iran has stepped up its own preparations. Its defense ministry just gave 1,000 new drones to the army. These are for scouting and electronic warfare, able to hit targets on land, sea, or air. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps showed off underwater missile tunnels under the Strait of Hormuz. These hold long-range cruise missiles like the Qader-380L, which can travel over 1,000 kilometers. Iranian naval commanders say these tunnels help control the strait in air, on the surface, and below.

Iran's foreign minister warned that its forces have their fingers on the trigger. He said they are ready to hit back hard and fast if attacked. Iran has also put out an AI video of one of its hypersonic missiles, the Fattah, striking the USS Abraham Lincoln. State media has aired footage of fast attack boats and missile boats, part of a plan to swarm bigger US ships with speed and short-range weapons.

Iran holds the largest missile stock in the Middle East. Estimates put medium-range missiles at around 2,000, plus many short-range ones. These are built more for scaring enemies than pinpoint hits. Gulf states worry these could rain down on them in any conflict. Missiles can reach Israel in about 12 minutes, leaving little time to react.

The IRGC Navy plans live-fire drills in the Strait of Hormuz on February 1 and 2. This lines up with the US carrier's arrival and seems aimed at sending a message.

"We have to have enough force and power in the region just on a baseline to defend against that possibility." – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

What This Means

Gulf allies see Iran's missiles as the top threat right now. They have told the US that any clash could pull in the whole region. Iran's proxies in Iraq and Yemen have promised new attacks now that the US carrier is close. These groups have hit US bases before and could do so again.

The US president has talked about strikes coming soon unless Iran drops its nuclear push. But experts say even if the US wins a fight, it would cost a lot. Iran saved many of its naval and missile tools during last year's war. They are now ready for use against US ships.

Both sides are showing strength through moves and words. The US has better air and sea power for long fights. Iran bets on quick hits with missiles, drones, and boats to make any attack too expensive. Talks continue to avoid war, but trust is low. Iran is rebuilding missile stocks and chasing longer-range ones, even intercontinental reach.

This standoff affects shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key path for oil. Any blockage there would spike prices worldwide. Troops on all sides stay alert. Protests in Iran add another layer, as the regime worries about unrest at home while facing outside pressure.

US allies in the Gulf push for more defenses against missiles. They know a fight with Iran would hit them hard. The balance stays tense, with each side watching the other's next step.