As tensions escalate in West Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries have significant military capabilities to respond to Iranian attacks. According to a military analysis, Iran launched thousands of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones against Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman over a 16-day period. Despite having capable militaries, these countries have not yet responded, possibly due to US pressure. Key weapons systems available for possible retaliation include the Storm Shadow cruise missile stockpiled by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, with a range of 550 kilometers. Bahrain possesses the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) ballistic missile with a range of 350 kilometers. Saudi Arabia operates the Chinese Wing Loong UCAV drone with a 30-hour endurance and the Chinese-made Dong Feng 21 ballistic missile with a range of over 2,500 kilometers, making it the only GCC country with such long-range ballistic capabilities. These systems could target Iranian infrastructure if those countries decide to retaliate.
