Growing Arab Sympathy Toward Iran Deepens Divide Between Public Opinion, Gulf Governments
DID Press: A widening gap is emerging between Arab governments and large segments of Arab public opinion over Iran, as growing regional anger toward Israel and dissatisfaction with U.S. policies fuel increasing sympathy for Tehran across parts of the Arab world, according to a new report by The Economist.
The report says that despite sustained efforts by several Arab governments to reinforce anti-Iran narratives, recent developments — including the war in Gaza and escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel — have altered perceptions among sections of Arab society.
State-affiliated Arab media have portrayed Iranian military actions as “unjustified aggression,” while some Gulf states have reportedly criminalized public expressions of sympathy toward Tehran. According to the report, authorities in Qatar and United Arab Emirates detained individuals for sharing content related to Iranian strikes, while in Bahrain some citizens allegedly faced citizenship-related penalties over perceived support for Iran.
Despite these restrictions, signs of popular sympathy toward Iran have become increasingly visible on social media platforms and in non-state Arab media. The report points to the widespread circulation of pro-Iran military songs and growing audiences for regional broadcasters supportive of Tehran.
The Economist identifies two major drivers behind this shift in sentiment:
1. Anger toward Israel
Following developments in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, many Arabs — including Sunni communities and figures linked to Islamist movements — increasingly view Iranian actions against Israel as a legitimate response to regional military operations. For some, Iran is perceived as one of the few regional actors openly confronting both Israel and the United States.
2. Religious and cultural ties
Shiite communities across the Gulf maintain longstanding historical and religious connections with Iran. The report notes that in Bahrain, mourning ceremonies linked to former Iranian leaders have taken place, while Iranian communities in Dubai have reportedly faced tighter restrictions on schools, clubs, and religious centers.
At the same time, critics of Iranian influence in countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria continue to call for stronger pressure on Tehran, while some Salafi groups in Egypt maintain sectarian opposition toward Iran.
Nevertheless, the report concludes that sectarian narratives no longer resonate as strongly as in previous years, and that many Arabs — despite economic hardships linked to regional tensions — increasingly view Iran as more assertive and resilient than several Arab governments.