Middle East crisis Reactions

Mediator between the US and Iran – now he is furious

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who mediated between the US and Iran before the war, is furious with both countries. In an article in The Economist, he writes that the war is a disaster. He also accuses Donald Trump's administration of having "lost control of foreign policy".

Albusaidi, who participated in several meetings between Iranian and American representatives, writes that the countries appeared close to an agreement on Iran's nuclear energy program several times.

He remembers how he felt when Israel and the US attacked Iran at the end of February:

"It was a shock but not a surprise."

The Foreign Minister thinks that it was wrong for the US to join the war and accuses Israel of having persuaded Trump.

Trump to pressure Japan during sensitive meeting in Washington

The ongoing Iran war is likely to cast a shadow over the meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump in Washington, several media outlets report.

The initial plan for the three-day visit was to talk trade, but instead Trump is expected to take the opportunity to pressure Takaichi to help in the war. The BBC notes that it could be a test of the friendship between the two leaders.

Takaichi took office last fall and has a greater military focus than previous Japanese prime ministers. However, she has not offered the US to help open the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reports.

Chris Johnstone, a former White House official and now a partner at the consultancy Asia Group, tells the news agency that the visit is “very sensitive” for Takaichi.

– She had hoped to be the last voice in the room that could influence the president before his trip to China. Instead, she will be the first ally who must respond to Trump's request for support in the Middle East. 

Saudi Arabia: Will fight back if necessary

Saudi Arabia does not rule out carrying out retaliatory attacks against Iran, which has fired a number of drones and missiles at the country since the war broke out. The country's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan accuses Iran of trying to put pressure on the Gulf states with attacks.

– The Kingdom does not give in to pressure [...] and we reserve the right to take military action if deemed necessary, he said according to AFP.

During the night, Faisal bin Farhan and the rest of the foreign ministers of the Gulf states met to discuss the war. In a joint statement, the countries urge Iran to de-escalate the conflict.