Iran Reassures Gulf Neighbors Amid Rising Tensions with the US

Iran has sought to reassure its Gulf neighbors amidst escalating tensions with the US, asserting that its military actions are aimed solely at American forces. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged Gulf nations to expel US troops, emphasizing respect for Saudi Arabia. As Gulf allies push for continued pressure on Iran, the situation remains tense, with calls for military operations to persist until significant changes occur in Iranian leadership. Meanwhile, Oman and Qatar advocate for diplomatic solutions, contrasting with the more aggressive stance of the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This complex geopolitical landscape highlights the ongoing challenges in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 31, 2026, 12:27 IST

Iran's Message to Gulf States

On Tuesday, Iran aimed to calm its Gulf neighbors as tensions escalated in West Asia, asserting that its military actions are directed solely at US forces, not at neighboring countries. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, sent a message to Saudi Arabia, urging Gulf nations to remove US troops from their territories. He characterized Tehran's military responses as reactions to the American presence rather than threats to its neighbors. This statement comes as Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, reportedly encourage US President Donald Trump to maintain pressure on Iran.

Araghchi emphasized Iran's respect for Saudi Arabia, referring to it as a brotherly nation. He shared a photo on social media that allegedly depicted damage to an American aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Earlier this week, Iran's missile strike on this base caused damage to an American E-3 Sentry aircraft and resulted in injuries to several US personnel. The E-3 is crucial for overseeing air operations during conflicts.

He stated, "Our operations target enemy aggressors who disregard the safety of both Arabs and Iranians. It is time to expel US forces from the region," he added.

According to reports, traditional US allies in West Asia have privately urged Trump to persist in military actions against Iran. The Gulf allies, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, believe that Iran has not been sufficiently weakened and see this moment as a unique chance to undermine Tehran's clerical regime permanently. Officials from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain have indicated in private discussions that they prefer military operations to continue until there are substantial changes in Iranian leadership.

These officials have suggested that a significant shift in Iran's behavior is necessary before considering an end to hostilities. The Gulf nations have largely supported US actions against Iran, with the UAE being particularly aggressive in advocating for a ground invasion, as reported by a diplomat. Kuwait and Bahrain also support this approach. Saudi Arabia has conveyed to the US that halting military operations now would not yield a favorable outcome for the security of Iran's Arab neighbors.

In contrast, Oman and Qatar, which have historically acted as intermediaries between Iran and the West, are in favor of pursuing diplomatic solutions.