The conflict exploded into a diplomatic confrontation last month after being seized on by Arab leaders who were already angry and felt threatened by Iran’s involvement and rising influence in Lebanon, Iraq and Gaza. It also came at a time when some Arab leaders were still furious over Iran’s criticism of their response to the Israeli offensive in Gaza. The president of Egypt and the king of Jordan flew to Bahrain. Morocco took the extreme step of severing diplomatic ties with Iran. The foreign minister of Saudi Arabia called on Arab states to “deal with the Iranian challenge.” State-controlled news media across the region leveled sharp criticism against Tehran.
