Iran has made a concerted diplomatic push with Gulf states, warning them explicitly that Tehran will hit their oil, power and water plants unless they convince Donald Trump to end US strikes on Iran and instead seek a negotiated end to the war.
Iran has launched a diplomatic push to persuade Gulf states to use their influence with US President Donald Trump to prevent fresh military action, as Tehran warned that any renewed strikes could trigger retaliation against countries seen as facilitating them, according to a Reuters report.
Citing multiple regional and Iranian sources, Reuters reported that Tehran has conveyed messages through high-level diplomatic channels to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and Pakistan, urging them to convince Washington to abandon further military action in favour of negotiations. Iranian officials reportedly warned that if Gulf countries failed to intervene politically and their territories were used to facilitate attacks, Iran would respond forcefully.
Iran’s message reportedly extended beyond military installations, with officials indicating that oil facilities, electricity networks, water infrastructure and transport systems in Gulf countries could be at risk if the conflict widens. The move underscores Tehran’s strategy of portraying any future confrontation as a regional crisis rather than a bilateral dispute with Washington.
Diplomacy and deterrence unfold simultaneously
The warning comes even as Trump has publicly suggested that discussions with Iran have been progressing positively.
Speaking earlier this week, Trump said Washington and Tehran were having “very good discussions” and indicated that diplomacy remained possible despite months of hostilities. At the same time, Reuters reported that negotiations over broader issues, including maritime security and the Strait of Hormuz, remain difficult, with key differences unresolved despite continued engagement.
According to reports, Iran’s outreach appears designed to leverage the influence Gulf monarchies have with Washington. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is among the regional leaders reported to have urged restraint and encouraged a diplomatic solution to avoid another conflict that could destabilise the Gulf and disrupt global energy markets.
Despite their preference for diplomacy, Gulf states have also reportedly conveyed that they would defend themselves if attacked, reflecting the delicate balancing act they face between maintaining ties with the United States and avoiding direct confrontation with Iran.
Energy security once again at the centre of the crisis
The latest warning has renewed concerns over the vulnerability of Gulf energy infrastructure and global oil supplies. Previous regional attacks on energy facilities have demonstrated how quickly geopolitical tensions can ripple through international energy markets, making Gulf governments particularly sensitive to the prospect of another escalation.
Reuters reported that Tehran has also demanded that US military bases in the region be shut and intelligence cooperation with Washington be halted, arguing that continued support for American military operations would make Gulf states vulnerable to retaliation.
The developments come as Washington continues to weigh its options while pursuing diplomatic contacts with Tehran. Although both sides have publicly spoken of negotiations, the exchange of threats highlights how fragile the situation remains. With energy infrastructure, maritime trade routes and regional security all potentially at stake, Gulf capitals are increasingly finding themselves caught between efforts to prevent another military confrontation and the risk of being drawn into one.
With inputs from agencies
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