Why the Arab World is Reluctant to Support Iran in its Conflict with Israel

 

The ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel have revealed a striking silence—or at best, tepid reactions—from much of the Arab world.

Despite the long-standing Arab-Israeli conflict and widespread public sympathy for the Palestinian cause, Arab governments have largely avoided siding with Iran. This restraint is not accidental but rooted in deep, multi-layered strategic, religious, and geopolitical concerns.

One of the core reasons is the sectarian divide between Sunni-majority Arab states and Shia-majority Iran. For decades, nd its influence through ideological and militant proxies in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. This has alarmed Sunni powers like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, who view Iran’s actions as sectarian, destabilizing, and threatening to regional balance.

More than religion, it is regional rivalry that sharpens this divide. For many Gulf states, Iran—not Israel—is the most immediate and tangible threat. Iran’s support for armed groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis, and its involvement in civil wars, has only deepened suspicions. The Arab states, particularly in the Gulf, are less concerned with Israel’s ambitions and more focused on countering Iran’s regional reach.

This re-alignment is further reflected in recent normalization agreements with Israel, such as the Abraham Accords. Countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan have openly established ties with Israel, while others like Saudi Arabia have increased behind-the-scenes cooperation. These relationships offer strategic, economic, and technological benefits—none of which Arab regimes are willing to risk by siding with Tehran.

The role of the United States cannot be overstated. Washington is a key ally to many Arab nations, providing military aid, security guarantees, and diplomatic support. Since Iran remains under American sanctions and viewed as a threat by the U.S., Arab leaders are careful not to provoke American ire by aligning with Tehran.

Internally, many Arab governments fear Iran's revolutionary rhetoric. Iran positions itself as a champion of resistance and justice for Palestinians, themes that resonate with Arab populations. However, for authoritarian regimes, this populist narrative can inspire dissent, protests, or Islamist opposition—something they fiercely suppress.

Economically, Arab countries, especially oil-rich Gulf states, are deeply integrated into global markets. Openly supporting Iran could lead to economic sanctions, cutoffs from Western investments, and damage to their carefully cultivated international image. In contrast, cooperation with Israel brings access to cutting-edge technology and innovation.

Finally, Iran’s own image in the Arab world is far from pristine. Its backing of violent non-state actors and involvement in brutal conflicts like those in Syria and Yemen has damaged its reputation. Even among pro-Palestine supporters, Iran is seen more as a self-interested regional player than a unifying Islamic power.

In conclusion, while many ordinary Arabs may emotionally sympathize with Iran’s resistance to Israel, their governments are guided by strategic realism. For them, Iran is a rival and a threat—not a partner. As a result, in the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, the Arab world is likely to maintain a policy of cautious neutrality or quiet alignment with the West and Israel—not out of fear alone, but due to a calculated pursuit of national interest.