Gulf Arab States Seek Reassurance with Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict

By Maha El Dahan and Pesha Magid
DUBAI (Reuters) – Gulf Arab states aimed to reassure Iran of their neutrality in the Tehran-Israel conflict during recent meetings in Doha, amid fears of a wider escalation threatening oil facilities.

Ministers from Gulf Arab states and Iran discussed de-escalation at an Asian nations meeting hosted by Qatar. The talks were prompted by Iran’s large-scale assault on Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders and ongoing operations in Gaza and Lebanon.

While Iran claimed the attack would cease unless provoked again, Israel vowed to retaliate forcefully. Reports indicated Israel might target Iranian oil production facilities in response.

Urgent de-escalation was prioritized in discussions. Several ministries, including those from Qatar, Iran, UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, did not respond to requests for comments.

Although Iran did not directly threaten Gulf oil facilities, it hinted at potential action if its interests were endangered due to direct support for Israel. Ali Shihabi, a Saudi commentator, noted that while Gulf states doubt an Iranian strike on their facilities is likely, there are unofficial hints to the contrary.

Saudi Arabia has fostered improving ties with Iran to ease regional tensions, though relations remain strained. Following a 2019 attack on a key refinery that disrupted over 5% of global oil supply, Saudi Arabia remains cautious.

Shihabi highlighted the Gulf Cooperation Council’s message to Iran: “please de-escalate.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, at the Doha event, emphasized readiness to respond and warned against ignoring Israel’s aggressive actions, stating any military provocations would lead to decisive responses from Iran’s armed forces.