However, outlets in the Gulf were more grounded in reality and openly expressed surprise at Israel's unprecedented military capabilities. As one Gulf source noted, “Iranian leadership failed to learn lessons from Israeli operations against Hezbollah.”

Much of the Arab press initially claimed Iran held the upper hand and suggested that Israel couldn’t have launched its attack without U.S. support. But the facts on the ground contradicted that line, forcing even some anti-Israel commentators to acknowledge Israel’s achievements.

Pro-Iranian outlets, like Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Mayadeen, portrayed Israel as an aggressor that failed in its goals, while praising Iran for defending its sovereignty. One article even stated that Israeli military exhaustion forced its leaders to seek a ceasefire. Al-Mayadeen also quoted unnamed “Israeli sources” casting doubt on whether Iran’s nuclear facilities had truly been destroyed.