US, Gulf nations: Investment in Iran conditional; Iran warns against provocation

The United States and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations have issued a joint statement emphasizing that any trade or investment with Iran is conditional and can be reversed. This stance is contingent upon Iran adhering to previous agreements and halting actions that destabilize the region. The statement also highlighted the necessity of free and unrestricted navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting any tolls or control attempts.

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Ministers further emphasized that all trade and investment with Iran are conditional and reversible.

In response, Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the joint statement as "interventionist, irresponsible, and provocative." Tehran accused the U.S. of using military bases in Gulf countries to launch attacks against Iran, asserting that these bases only burden regional nations and create instability. Iran also warned against U.S.-backed aggression and highlighted the U.S.'s direct responsibility for regional instability.

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This is contingent upon whether Iran adheres to the previous memorandum of understanding and final agreement, ceases its destabilizing actions, and creates the conditions necessary for economic participation.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Bahrain, the UAE, and Kuwait aimed to address concerns among Gulf allies. These nations are reportedly uneasy about Iran's enhanced regional influence despite recent conflicts. Reports suggest that Gulf countries are questioning the reliability of the U.S. as a strategic ally, especially after a recent memorandum of understanding with Iran that reportedly acknowledged Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz without explicitly addressing Iran's missile program or regional proxies.

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The joint statement of the U.S. and the GCC is considered interventionist, irresponsible, and provocative.

Analysts suggest that Gulf nations are seeking to find common ground with Iran due to their diminished trust in the U.S. and the need to bolster their own defense capabilities for deterrence. The U.S. is reportedly seeking financial contributions from Gulf countries for a $300 billion fund to aid Iran's reconstruction, a move that may further complicate regional dynamics.

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The U.S.-Zionist regime's aggression and the U.S.'s direct responsibility for the instability in the Strait of Hormuz and the involvement of some regional countries in the U.S.-Zionist aggression against Iran are sternly reminded.