Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has made an explicit link between Gulf nations’ future prosperity and their decision to deny the United States and Israel access to military bases on their soil. His message, delivered as the Iran-US war entered its second month, was aimed at shifting the diplomatic terrain by appealing directly to Gulf governments’ national interests. Tehran is playing a long-term strategic game even as the immediate military conflict continues.
Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman have been caught up in the conflict as hosts to American military installations used to attack Iran. Iran has responded by striking those nations, increasing instability and economic disruption across the Gulf region. The ongoing cycle has raised serious concerns about the sustainability of the current security arrangements for Gulf governments.
Pezeshkian shared his message on X, confirming that Iran’s military approach is strictly retaliatory in nature but that retaliation for strikes on Iranian infrastructure will be strong and certain. He addressed Gulf leaders directly, warning them that prosperity and security are incompatible with hosting enemy military operations against a neighbouring state. The message was calculated to resonate with the economic and strategic priorities of Gulf governments.
Pakistan has emerged as a central diplomatic actor, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif actively mediating between Iran and other regional parties. After his meeting with Pezeshkian, Sharif reported that Iran sees trust as a necessary prerequisite to initiating any peace talks. Pakistan’s contributions to the peace effort have earned it recognition and praise from Tehran.
Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey are meeting in Pakistan for a focused diplomatic effort aimed at reducing tensions and exploring pathways to peace. Their discussions with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Sharif are expected to produce actionable recommendations on de-escalation. The gathering has been described as one of the most consequential diplomatic meetings since the conflict began.
