Gulf residents prepare for potential new strikes on Iran
According to Alhurra, as speculation grows regarding potential new U.S. strikes on Iran, residents in Gulf countries have begun stockpiling food and drinking water, recalling the experience of the conflict last February. Citizens and residents in countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait have prioritized purchasing essential goods and canned items due to fears of supply chain disruptions and rising prices. Ahmed Al-Khatib, a Jordanian resident in Dubai, told Alhurra that he has turned to stockpiling food due to his experience with supply fluctuations during the previous conflict. Khaled Al-Ajmi, a Kuwaiti citizen, emphasized the importance of storing water, citing environmental concerns following recent oil spills off the UAE coast and their potential impact on desalination plants. Meanwhile, unofficial reports citing diplomats suggest that U.S. officials have warned regional allies to prepare for the possibility of resumed military operations following the U.S. midterm elections. Beyond security concerns, inflation has also impacted purchasing power; official data in Bahrain and Kuwait indicate a significant rise in food prices.