Iran Warns Gulf States of Retaliation Against Energy Infrastructure if Attacked by U.S.

Iran has issued a stern warning to Gulf states: any new U.S. attack on Iranian territory will result in retaliation against critical energy infrastructure across the region. This message was conveyed through a series of high-level diplomatic contacts after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran's energy network and infrastructure on July 28.

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We're ready to retaliate, but finding a diplomatic solution is the best way to avoid wider escalation and destruction across the region.

According to five sources, Iran aims to raise the stakes of potential military action by threatening Washington's closest regional allies. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reportedly engaged in discussions with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, as well as Pakistan's army chief. These officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Araqchi urged the U.S. allies in the Gulf to leverage their influence with Trump to dissuade him from launching renewed strikes. He warned that any attack on Iran would prompt retaliation against U.S. assets and energy facilities throughout the Gulf. The diplomat stressed that Iran is prepared to retaliate but emphasized that a diplomatic solution is the best path to avoid wider escalation and destruction.

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The Iranian warning was unequivocal: if America targeted Iran's infrastructure, they would retaliate by striking Gulf energy facilities and other regional targets.

One Gulf source stated the Iranian warning was "unequivocal: if America targeted Iran's infrastructure, they would retaliate by striking Gulf energy facilities and other regional targets." This diplomatic maneuvering highlights Iran's strategy of using the threat of regional devastation as leverage against further U.S. strikes, placing Gulf states, which host U.S. military bases and rely on energy exports, in a precarious position between Washington and Tehran.

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Saudi Arabia believes further escalation will only bring more destruction. That is why it urged Trump to give diplomacy a chance.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman subsequently spoke with Trump, advocating for a delay in military action, a return to negotiations, a ceasefire, and a diplomatic settlement. The warning was intended for all Gulf states, but primarily conveyed through Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Iran has recently worked to repair ties with its Gulf neighbors, including former rival Saudi Arabia. Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have urged Washington to resume talks with Tehran to avert renewed conflict, with Iran warning that further U.S. strikes could "turn the region into a fireball."

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turn the region into a fireball