The president of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has issued a blunt message to Gulf countries hosting American and Israeli military operations, warning them that their own peace and progress are at stake. His statement came during the second month of active fighting between Iran and the United States. The comments highlight Tehran’s view that Gulf nations bear direct responsibility for the current wave of regional instability.
Countries across the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, have become involuntary battlegrounds due to the presence of US military bases used to strike Iranian targets. Tehran has retaliated with military strikes of its own aimed at those same host nations. The resulting cycle of attacks has placed enormous strain on diplomatic relationships across the region.
Pezeshkian posted on X to clarify Iran’s military stance, noting that his country responds to attacks but does not initiate them. He argued that Gulf governments must take responsibility for what is conducted from their soil, adding that allowing enemies to use their territory against Iran will deny them any chance at true security or development. The statement was both a warning and an appeal to shared strategic interests.
Pakistan has assumed the role of a trusted intermediary, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaging directly with Pezeshkian to explore possibilities for dialogue. The Iranian president conveyed to Sharif that trust is a foundational requirement before any peace negotiations can be seriously considered. Pakistan’s peace push has earned it praise from Tehran and recognition across the region as a balanced actor.
A diplomatic assembly in Pakistan over the weekend brought together the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey to debate strategies for ending the conflict. Their agenda includes talks with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Sharif, focused on creating pathways to de-escalation. The gathering marks one of the most significant multilateral diplomatic efforts since the war began.