Political scientist and Middle East expert Semen Bagdasarov stated that the geography of the Middle East conflict is rapidly expanding as strikes are now targeting energy and economic infrastructure.

In his assessment, the region is descending into chaos, resulting in colossal financial and economic losses for the Gulf states. He noted that these countries had provided money to Donald Trump and suggested that, under the current circumstances, they have effectively been abandoned. He urged consideration of the internal situation now unfolding within those states.

Bagdasarov stressed that the confrontation can no longer be viewed as a war solely between Israel and Iran. According to him, it is turning into a larger war, as Gulf countries are beginning to speak about possible retaliatory strikes against Iran.

He did not rule out that this escalation may be deliberate. If Trump intends to move further, he will need not just allies, but allies willing to take direct part in the war. Israel alone, in his view, is not enough, whereas the Gulf states, with their capable armies, would be significant participants. For this reason, Bagdasarov concluded that the conflict will not be short-term.