Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly issued a warning to Gulf nations that continue to allow US and Israeli forces to operate from their territory in the ongoing war against Iran. With the conflict now exceeding one month in duration, Tehran’s message reflects both military frustration and a diplomatic attempt to shift regional alignments. The statement places Gulf governments squarely in the centre of an increasingly complex regional standoff.
The war has expanded well beyond its initial scope, drawing Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman into the conflict through the use of US military bases on their soil. Iran has responded to strikes launched from those bases with retaliatory attacks on the host nations themselves. This dynamic has forced Gulf countries into a position of absorbing consequences for decisions largely made in Washington.
Pezeshkian shared his message on X, emphasising Iran’s non-aggression posture while firmly warning of retaliation if economic or critical infrastructure is targeted. He specifically addressed Gulf leaders, urging them not to let enemies orchestrate the war from their territory, and linking compliance with that request to their prospects for security and development. The message was both a warning and a diplomatic overture framed in language of mutual regional interest.
Pakistan has taken a proactive approach to conflict resolution, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meeting regional leaders and serving as a back-channel between Tehran and others. Following his meeting with Pezeshkian, Sharif noted that Iran’s leadership sees trust as an essential foundation for any peace talks. Pakistan’s mediation efforts have received formal acknowledgement from Iran, boosting Islamabad’s diplomatic credibility in the region.
Significant diplomatic activity is underway in Pakistan, with foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey convening for intensive consultations over the weekend. These talks, involving both Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Sharif, are aimed at identifying workable de-escalation measures. The gathering reflects the growing urgency felt across the region about the need to bring the conflict to an end.