DUBAI, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Gulf states are urging Washington to prevent Israel from striking Iran's oil facilities due to concerns that their own oil infrastructure could be targeted by Tehran’s allies if tensions escalate, according to three Gulf sources who spoke to Reuters.

In their efforts to avoid being drawn into the conflict, Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, have denied Israel access to their airspace for any potential strikes on Iran. This stance has been communicated to Washington, as reported by sources close to government circles.

Israel has vowed that Iran will face consequences for its recent missile attack, while Tehran has warned that any retaliation would result in significant destruction. This exchange of threats has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict that could involve the United States.

The Gulf states’ actions follow a diplomatic push by non-Arab Shi’ite Iran to encourage its Sunni Gulf neighbors to leverage their influence with Washington, amid growing concerns that Israel may target Iran’s oil production sites.

In meetings this week, Iran cautioned Saudi Arabia that it could not ensure the safety of the kingdom’s oil facilities if any support was provided to Israel’s plans, according to a senior Iranian official and an Iranian diplomat who spoke to Reuters. Ali Shihabi, a Saudi analyst with close ties to the Saudi royal court, remarked: “The Iranians have stated: ‘If the Gulf states open up their airspace to Israel, that would be an act of war’.”