Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has delivered a stark message to Gulf governments: there can be no genuine security or development for countries that allow foreign powers to wage war from their territory. The statement, posted on X as the Iran-US conflict entered its second month, was directed at nations including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman. Tehran is making clear that the Gulf states are parties to this conflict whether they acknowledge it or not.
Iranian retaliatory strikes have landed inside all of these countries in response to operations launched by US forces from their military bases. These strikes have caused both material damage and significant political strain for Gulf governments. The crisis has forced a reassessment of longstanding security alliances and strategic priorities across the region.
Pezeshkian outlined Iran’s position in clear terms via X: no preemptive aggression, but strong and certain retaliation against any targeting of Iranian infrastructure or economic interests. He followed this with a direct appeal to Gulf governments to recognize that their long-term interests are best served by refusing to host the war. His message walked the line between warning and regional partnership appeal.
Pakistan has emerged as a key diplomatic actor, with Prime Minister Sharif maintaining active contact with Iranian leadership. Sharif reported that Pezeshkian stressed that trust must come before talks, and praised Pakistan’s leadership role in promoting peace. Islamabad has responded to that trust by organizing a significant regional summit.
Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar is hosting counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey for in-depth discussions on de-escalating the conflict. The meetings are focused on both immediate tension reduction and longer-term stability. The diplomatic activity represents a genuine and potentially important moment in the search for peace.