Iran has issued a stark message to its Gulf neighbours amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, warning that peace in the region is tied to how those countries position themselves in relation to the war involving the United States and Israel. According to Iranian officials, neighbouring states should not allow their territory to be used as a springboard for operations against Iran, a stance Tehran says is critical for avoiding further escalation.

Iran’s leadership, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, publicly urged Gulf Arab governments not to let the United States and Israel “run” military operations from their soil, framing this as a precondition for peace. Tehran’s comments follow missile and drone strikes directed at several states in the Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others—actions that Gulf capitals have condemned as breaches of sovereignty.

Gulf leaders have increasingly voiced alarm over threats linked to Iranian proxies and expanding military actions that have impacted civilian infrastructure, security assets, and economic facilities. A recent joint response from Gulf states condemned escalating instability and underlined the need for a durable solution to the crisis, reflecting growing unease about Tehran’s strategy and its implications for regional security.

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The warnings come as Gulf Arab nations caution that any peace agreement must not only halt active hostilities but also address Iran’s military capabilities—especially its missile and drone arsenals—to prevent future threats to energy infrastructure and critical economic corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz. Several states have publicly called for guarantees that Iran’s capacity to threaten their security will be reduced in any negotiated settlement.

International efforts to broker de‑escalation continue, with mediators and foreign powers pressing for diplomatic avenues while military operations remain active. Tehran’s messaging to its neighbours underscores the complex interplay of regional politics, security concerns, and the broader struggle to define terms for any lasting ceasefire or peace initiative.

The evolving dynamic highlights a deep mistrust between Iran and its Gulf neighbours, who have long balanced economic ties with security concerns. As the conflict persists, the interplay of strategic warnings and diplomatic engagement will likely shape whether the Gulf region can move toward a sustainable reduction of hostilities.

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