Uncontrolled War: Iran Urges Gulf States to Break Free from US Influence
Iran’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati has called for a serious reassessment of relations between Tehran and Gulf states amid escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel.
In an interview with Reuters, Enayati said that regional countries need to re-evaluate their relationships given the war’s escalation and its widespread impact on regional stability.
“That is a valid question, and the answer may be simple. We are neighbours and we cannot live without one another. We will need a serious review,” Enayati said on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
He argued that security dynamics in the region over recent decades have been shaped by an exclusive approach within the region and excessive dependence on external powers. He therefore urged closer cooperation amongst Gulf states, including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with Iran and Iraq.
Since the conflict erupted on 28 February, Gulf states have reportedly faced over 2,000 missile and drone attacks targeting various facilities, ranging from diplomatic missions and US military bases to critical infrastructure including oil facilities, ports, airports and residential areas.
The United Arab Emirates has been among the most affected countries from the series of attacks, though all Gulf states have felt the impact and have condemned Iran.
However, several analysts note that Gulf states are also beginning to show frustration towards the US, which has long served as the guarantor of regional security, as the conflict has drawn them into a situation they do not support.
In Saudi Arabia, several attacks have targeted the eastern region, which is the kingdom’s oil production centre, including the area around Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh and the diplomatic quarter on the capital’s outskirts.
Enayati insisted that Iran is not responsible for attacks on Saudi oil facilities, including the Ras Tanura refinery and attempted drone strikes on the Shaybah oilfield.
“Iran is not the party responsible for these attacks, and if Iran were responsible, it would certainly announce it,” he said.
He added that Iran is only targeting US and Israeli interests in the conflict. According to Enayati, communications with Saudi officials continue and relations between the two countries are developing naturally in several areas, including cooperation related to the return of Iranian citizens in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj pilgrimage and medical assistance for those in need.
Enayati also said Tehran is discussing with Riyadh Saudi Arabia’s statement that its land, sea and airspace will not be used to launch attacks against Iran. He stressed that the current war has been “imposed on Iran and the region”.
In his view, the conflict can only be resolved if the US and Israel cease their attacks and regional states do not become directly involved.
“Only then can we focus on building a prosperous region,” Enayati concluded.