Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has sent a carefully calculated diplomatic signal to Gulf neighbours, warning them that their own security and development are at risk if they continue to provide a platform for US and Israeli military operations. The message, issued more than a month into the Iran-US war, reflects Tehran’s sophisticated approach to managing both the military and diplomatic dimensions of the conflict. Iran is clearly pursuing a strategy that aims to isolate the United States by driving a wedge between Washington and its Gulf partners.
Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman have been caught in the conflict’s crossfire primarily because of the US military bases operating on their soil. American strikes on Iran have been launched from these locations, triggering Iranian retaliatory attacks on the host countries. The resulting damage has raised serious questions about the wisdom of maintaining such extensive foreign military infrastructure in a time of regional war.
In a post on X, Pezeshkian was clear about Iran’s military posture, affirming that Tehran does not initiate attacks but will retaliate strongly against any assault on its infrastructure or economic centres. He then made a pointed appeal to Gulf leaders, urging them to refuse enemy forces the use of their territory and framing this as the only viable path to regional peace and prosperity. The message struck a careful balance between warning and invitation.
Pakistan has demonstrated significant diplomatic initiative, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif maintaining active communication with Iranian leadership and other regional actors. Sharif’s engagement with Pezeshkian produced the key insight that trust is Iran’s foundational requirement for any formal peace process. Pakistan’s mediation role has been publicly praised by Tehran, reinforcing Islamabad’s credibility.
A multilateral diplomatic consultation in Pakistan is bringing together foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey for discussions on the conflict. Meetings with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Sharif are expected to produce a coordinated regional approach to de-escalation. The talks mark an important moment in the international effort to find a political solution to the ongoing war.
