Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has spoken directly to the Gulf’s future in a message that warns regional governments they risk losing their stability if they continue to provide a platform for US and Israeli military operations against Iran. Delivered more than a month into the conflict, the statement represents one of Tehran’s boldest diplomatic moves toward the Gulf since the war began. Iran appears to be betting that Gulf governments can be persuaded to prioritise their own stability over their alliance with Washington.
Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar have been drawn into the conflict through the extensive US military presence on their soil. American attacks on Iran have been launched from these countries, triggering retaliatory Iranian strikes that have damaged Gulf infrastructure and disrupted regional economies. The pattern has made it increasingly difficult for Gulf governments to justify their current security arrangements.
On X, Pezeshkian laid out Iran’s position clearly: no preemptive attacks, but guaranteed retaliation for strikes on Iranian infrastructure or economic assets. He addressed Gulf leaders with a firm appeal, warning that allowing enemies to run the war from their territory would deprive their nations of security and development. The message was direct and deliberately difficult to dismiss.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been one of the most active mediators in the conflict, engaging Iranian leadership and maintaining communication with other regional actors. Sharif’s meeting with Pezeshkian produced the clear finding that Iran sees trust as the essential foundation for any peace process. Pakistan’s role in the peace effort has been praised by Tehran, boosting Islamabad’s regional standing.
A significant diplomatic gathering is underway in Pakistan, with foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey attending. Their discussions with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Sharif are focused on developing a joint regional response to the war. The scale and ambition of the talks reflect the urgency of the situation and the collective desire to find a path toward peace.
