“We’re Ready to Retaliate”: Iran Warns Gulf States Against Fresh U.S. Strikes
Iran has intensified its diplomatic engagement with Gulf countries, warning that any renewed military action by the United States could trigger retaliation across the region unless Washington returns to negotiations.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi conveyed the same message during a series of high-level contacts with regional leaders:
“We’re ready to retaliate, but finding a diplomatic solution is the best way to avoid wider escalation and destruction across the region.”
The remark, first reported by Reuters through a senior regional diplomat, underscored Tehran’s position that dialogue remains the preferred path despite its readiness to respond to any attack.
Officials said the warning followed President Donald Trump’s recent threat to target Iran’s energy infrastructure.
Tehran reportedly told Gulf governments that if such strikes went ahead, strategic facilities across the region, including energy installations, oil infrastructure, electricity networks and other critical assets, could face retaliatory attacks.
Iranian officials were said to have urged Gulf leaders to use their influence with Washington to prevent another round of military action, arguing that diplomacy offers the best chance of avoiding a wider conflict that could disrupt regional stability and global energy supplies.
Sources also said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later spoke with President Trump, encouraging him to delay military action, support a ceasefire and give negotiations another opportunity.
While Gulf countries have continued to advocate diplomacy, officials indicated they have also made clear that they would defend their territories if threatened.
The diplomatic push reflects growing concern that another confrontation between Washington and Tehran could rapidly spread beyond the two countries, placing the Gulf’s strategic infrastructure and the global energy market at greater risk.
