Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on Gulf nations to stand against what he describes as foreign military exploitation of their territory, warning that this exploitation is destroying the prospects for regional security and development. His statement on X came as the Iran-US war continued past its first month. Pezeshkian directed his message at Gulf governments individually and collectively, urging them to take decisive action.
Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman have been drawn into the conflict through US military bases that have been used to attack Iran. Tehran has retaliated with strikes inside those countries, creating an escalating cycle of conflict that has engulfed the broader Gulf region. Gulf populations are living with the daily consequences of a war being fought partly from their own soil.
Pezeshkian confirmed that Iran does not launch preemptive attacks and only retaliates when its economic or infrastructure assets are hit. He argued that Gulf governments are being exploited by foreign military powers whose interests do not align with Gulf security or development. His appeal for Gulf nations to stand against this exploitation frames the issue as a matter of regional dignity and long-term strategic interest.
Pakistan has been recognized by Tehran as a sincere and effective mediator. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Pezeshkian told him trust is the foundation that must be laid before any peace negotiations can begin. Pakistan’s foreign ministry has organized a key multilateral meeting in Islamabad with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey to discuss strategies for de-escalation.
Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar will lead the discussions and also arrange meetings with Prime Minister Sharif. Iran has praised Pakistan’s constructive approach to the peace process. The Islamabad meetings represent a critical diplomatic opportunity to build the trust that Pezeshkian has identified as the essential starting point for ending the war.