Why is Iran bombing Gulf states while avoiding US naval assets and Israel?

As the United States escalates strikes on Iran, Tehran is targeting military and civilian infrastructure in Gulf states and Jordan, while avoiding US naval assets and Israel. This strategy, according to analysts, aims to pressure the US without broadening the conflict. Iran justifies these attacks by claiming US operations are launched from Gulf territories, a narrative dismissed by Gulf states and academics who assert US strikes originate from aircraft carriers. Targeting US naval assets "would bring a devastating US response," according to retired Lebanese Brigadier General Elias Hanna.

• Kuwait University Professor Abdullah al-Shayji describes Iran's claims as "propaganda," noting that Gulf states have agreements with the US for defensive purposes only and have informed Tehran their territory will not be used for attacks against Iran.
• Al-Shayji argues Iran's targeting of Gulf states, particularly critical infrastructure like water desalination facilities, is a failed strategy intended to pressure Washington, which is unlikely to succeed given the US did not consult Gulf states before initiating the conflict.
• Qatar University Assistant Professor Abdullah Bandar al-Otaibi agrees that neither the US nor Iran desires a full-scale war, and Iran avoids US naval assets to prevent "opening the gates of hell upon itself."
• Al-Otaibi also suggests Iran avoids targeting US refueling aircraft from Israel to prevent widening the conflict, instead focusing on Gulf states to appease domestic opinion, believing these countries are unlikely to enter the war.