Iran Appeals to Gulf Neighbors Amid Ongoing Missile Strikes

Iran is calling for regional unity with Gulf states, describing them as "neighbors who cannot live without each other," even as it continues to attack these countries in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes. The move appears aimed at leveraging war fatigue in the Middle East as a bargaining chip for ceasefire negotiations.

In a written interview with Reuters on the 15th (local time), Alireza Enayati, Iran's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, argued that "what this region has witnessed over the past 50 years is the result of exclusionary approaches within the region and excessive dependence on external powers." He called for "limiting the influence of outside forces so the region can prosper" and urged "a serious review of Iran-Gulf relations."

When asked whether he was concerned the war would damage ties with Gulf states, Enayati replied: "The answer is simple. We are neighbors and we cannot live without each other."

He denied claims that Iran attacked Saudi oil infrastructure, stating: "If Iran had done it, we would have announced it directly." Enayati emphasized that Iran is targeting only U.S. and Israeli assets and interests.

Iran's conciliatory message comes as the three-week-old war has generated resentment toward both Iran and the United States among Gulf states. Reuters cited sources saying Gulf countries "are paying an enormous price for a war they did not support" and that "frustration is growing with their longtime security ally, the United States."

Apparently aware of this sentiment, Ambassador Enayati warned: "This war was imposed on us and this region. Regional countries must not intervene in resolving the conflict."

Iran has responded to U.S. and Israeli attacks by striking surrounding Gulf states and blockading the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route. Since the war began on the 28th of last month, Gulf states have suffered more than 2,000 missile and drone strikes. Targets have included not only U.S. diplomatic missions and military bases but also major Gulf oil infrastructure, ports, airports, hotels, and residential and commercial buildings.

The United Arab Emirates, which normalized relations with Iran's arch-enemy Israel in 2020, has sustained the heaviest damage.