Iran issues a highly confidential warning to its ally, the United States in the Middle East, saying that there will be retaliation if Israel is helped.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (right) and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi [Provided by Yonhap News]

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, Iran has secretly warned its American-friendly allies in the Middle East that it will retaliate if they assist Israel in attacking Iran. Middle Eastern countries including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have been warned that they will face retaliation from Iran if they allow their territory or airspace to be used for Israeli attacks on Iran.

These countries receiving Iran’s warning are reportedly concerned about the possibility of their own oil facilities being targeted.

Reuters also reported that Iran’s senior officials conveyed a warning message to Saudi Arabia this week.

A source close to the Saudi royal family said, “Iran has said that if Gulf countries open their airspace to Israel, it would be considered an act of war.”