Recent attacks by Iran targeting Gulf states are widely believed to be a calculated strategy to exert pressure on Washington, according to analysts. These actions appear designed to avoid direct military engagement with US naval assets and Israel, signaling a desire to escalate tensions without triggering a full-scale conflict. By focusing on regional actors, Iran aims to demonstrate its influence and capabilities while keeping a direct confrontation with the United States at bay. Experts suggest the attacks are linked to ongoing negotiations—or lack thereof—regarding Iran’s nuclear program and economic sanctions. This approach allows Iran to send a message to the US without risking a potentially devastating military response. The Gulf states, therefore, are caught in the middle of this strategic maneuvering, serving as leverage in Iran’s dealings with Washington. The situation highlights the delicate balance of power and the heightened risks of miscalculation in the region.