Middle East Crisis: Iran’s relations with Arab Gulf states will require a “serious review” in light of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Tehran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia told Reuters on Sunday, calling for deeper regional ties to limit the power of external actors. Ambassador Alireza Enayati said that despite the conflict, neighbors cannot do without each other and must find a path forward together .
The overture comes as Gulf Arab states have faced more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks since the war began on February 28, with targets including US diplomatic missions, military bases, oil infrastructure, ports, airports and civilian buildings. Behind the scenes, regional sources say there is growing frustration at the United States, long their security guarantor, for dragging them into a war they did not endorse .
What Did Iran’s Ambassador Say About Gulf Relations?
Enayati said the war would require a fundamental reassessment of regional dynamics. “It’s a valid question, and the answer may be simple. We are neighbors and we cannot do without each other; we will need a serious review,” he said when asked if he was concerned relations would be harmed .
He called for deeper ties between the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, along with Iraq and Iran. “What the region has witnessed over the past five decades is the result of an exclusionary approach [within the region] and an excessive reliance on external powers,” he said .
How Have Gulf States Been Affected by the War?
The United Arab Emirates, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, has faced the brunt of the attacks. But all Gulf Arab states have been impacted, and all have condemned Iran .
In Saudi Arabia, attacks have been concentrated on the eastern region where most of the kingdom’s oil is produced, as well as the Prince Sultan Airbase hosting US forces east of Riyadh, and the Diplomatic Quarter on the Saudi capital’s western edge, according to defense ministry statements .
Despite the attacks, Saudi Arabia and Iran re-established full diplomatic relations in 2023 after years of enmity that saw them back rival political and military factions across the region .
Did Iran Admit to Attacking Saudi Oil Infrastructure?
No. Enayati denied that Iran was responsible for attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure, including the Ras Tanura refinery on the east coast and dozens of attempted drone attacks on the Shaybah oil field near the UAE border .
“Iran is not the party responsible for these attacks, and if Iran had carried them out, it would have announced it,” he said. He did not say who had carried out the attacks. Saudi Defense Ministry statements have not assigned blame for individual incidents .
Enayati said Iran was only attacking US and Israeli targets and interests .
What Is the Current State of Iran-Saudi Relations?
Enayati said he was in ongoing contact with Saudi officials, with relations “progressing naturally” in many areas. He highlighted Saudi cooperation regarding the departure of Iranian religious pilgrims and the provision of medical assistance to others .
He said Tehran was in contact with Riyadh regarding Saudi Arabia’s publicly stated position that its land, sea and air would not be used to attack Iran, though he did not elaborate on the discussions .
What Message Does Iran Have for Gulf States?
Enayati’s message was clear: the war “has been imposed on us and the region.” To resolve the conflict, he said the US and Israel must halt their attacks and regional countries should not be involved. International guarantees must be secured to prevent their recurrence, he added .
“Only then can we focus on building a prosperous region,” he said .
How Many Attacks Have Gulf States Faced?
Gulf Arab states have faced more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks since the war began. Targets have included US diplomatic missions, military bases, critical oil infrastructure, ports, airports, hotels, and residential and office buildings .
FAQs About Iran-Gulf Relations
Q: Is Iran attacking Gulf countries?
A: Iran denies attacking Gulf oil infrastructure, saying it only targets US and Israeli interests. Gulf states have faced over 2,000 attacks since February 28 .
Q: What is the status of Iran-Saudi relations?
A: They re-established diplomatic relations in 2023. Enayati says ties are “progressing naturally” despite the war .
Q: What does Iran want from Gulf states?
A: Iran wants deeper regional cooperation and less reliance on external powers like the United States .
Q: How many attacks has Saudi Arabia faced?
A: Attacks have targeted the eastern oil region, Prince Sultan Airbase and the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh .
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
