Gulf Nations Potentially Involved in Iran Conflict After Drone Incident

The ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the US takes a new turn with Iran's claim of shooting down a Chinese-made Wing Loong II drone in the southern region of Shiraz. This incident has sparked debates among open-source intelligence analysts regarding the potential involvement of Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia or the UAE in offensive operations against Iran.

The images of the downed UAV were initially released by Iran's Tasnim News Agency. The agency alleged that the Iranian military had downed a US MQ-9 Reaper drone.

CHINESE-MADE DRONE IN SHIRAZ?

According to a report by Middle East Eye, many open-source intelligence analysts have identified the UAV as a Chinese-made Wing Loong II, known for its resemblance to the MQ-9 Reaper.

The Tehran Times, an Iran-based publication, had previously reported that Iran procured drones from China in February, just before the February 28 US-Israel attack.

However, Middle East Eye points out that a regional intelligence official noted that Beijing had supplied Iran with kamikaze drones, which differ from the reusable Wing Loong class drones.

NOT IN IRAN'S INVENTORY

Nicole Grajewski, a writer known for her research on Russia and Iran, confirmed that Iran's inventory does not include Wing Loong UAVs.

SAUDI ARABIA AND UAE POSSESS THE DRONE

The report suggests that while it's unclear if the US and Israel use the Wing Loong II, it's known that Saudi Arabia and the UAE possess these drones.

The New York Times has highlighted the use of Wing Loong UAVs in Sudan's civil war, with reports suggesting the UAE deployed these drones to support the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Experts suggest if Saudi Arabia or the UAE are operating this drone, it could indicate their increased support in the war against Iran. The timing coincides with the Trump administration's push for Gulf states to back offensive operations against Iran.

Middle East Eye previously revealed that Saudi Arabia had granted the US broader access to its airspace and the King Fahd military base in the country's west.