Since the start of the American-Israeli military campaign against Iran, at least 12 civilian deaths have been reported in oil-producing Gulf states. Investigations confirm that every victim except one was a foreign national, predominantly migrant workers from South and Southeast Asia. These individuals often work in high-risk environments such as construction, energy, and transportation, making them disproportionately vulnerable to indirect violence during regional conflicts.
The lack of local citizenship among the deceased underscores broader concerns about the protection of migrant laborers in conflict zones. Despite their critical role in the Gulf economies, these workers frequently lack access to legal safeguards, emergency services, and timely information during crises. Human rights advocates are calling for greater accountability and humanitarian protections for non-national civilians caught in crossfire.