{
  "id": 39008,
  "title": "Mike Pompeo: 'Gulf states will have to join US to finish the job on Iran'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/mike-pompeo-gulf-states-will-have-to-join-us-to-finish-the-job-on-iran",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-02T10:45:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/2026/08/02/mike-pompeo-gulf-states-will-have-to-join-us-to-finish-the-job-on-iran/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "CIA Director and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warns that the potential for an all-out Middle East war has escalated to a global conflict. He attributes this to Iran, China, and Russia forming a united front. Pompeo claims to have received intelligence reports suggesting China is preparing to send missile systems to Iran, which he finds more likely than not despite the Chinese denying it. He criticizes the current US administration for not being \"America First\" regarding Iran and expresses hope for economic pressure, diplomatic outreach, and military action against Iran and its allies. Pompeo asserts that the US is successfully implementing economic sanctions, causing shortages in Iran and reducing living standards. He emphasizes that military targets are fair game, including infrastructure, but stresses the importance of avoiding civilian harm. He predicts that Gulf states will eventually join the US in dealing with Iran. When asked if Europe is willing to stand by the US, Pompeo acknowledges their recent support against Putin but advises them to \"kick themselves in the butt and do more.\" He expresses confidence that a free and open Strait of Hormuz is inevitable, as alternatives are considered unworkable for all involved nations.",
  "summary": "CIA Director and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warns that the current situation with Iran could escalate into a global war, involving Iran, China, and Russia. He cites recent intelligence suggesting China is preparing to ship missile systems to Iran, which Pompeo believes to be true. Pompeo criticizes the current US administration's handling of Iran and states that economic pressure, diplomatic outreach, and military pressure are the only options to finish the job. He emphasizes that military infrastructure, not just civilian targets, should be targeted in Iran.",
  "key_points": [
    "Gulf states must join US to resolve Iran issue, warns Pompeo",
    "China preparing missile systems for Iran, intelligence suggests",
    "US implementing economic sanctions causing shortages in Iran"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Mike Pompeo on the US-Iran war, the Gulf and why the alternative to a free Strait of Hormuz is unthinkable",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/mike-pompeo-on-the-us-iran-war-the-gulf-and-why-the-alternative-to-a",
        "published": "2026-08-03T06:47:35.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}