Iran Seeks Regional Reset Amidst Gulf Attacks and US-Israel War

RIYADH, March 15 – Iran’s relations with Arab Gulf states will require a “serious review” in light of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, limiting the power of external actors so the region can become prosperous, Tehran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia told Reuters on Sunday. The statement comes as Gulf states grapple with over 2,000 missile and drone attacks since the conflict began on February 28.

A Call for Regional Cooperation

Asked if he was concerned that relations would be harmed by the war, Ambassador Alireza Enayati stated, “It’s a valid question, and the answer may be simple. We are neighbors and we cannot do without each other; we will need a serious review.” He advocated for deeper ties between the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), along with Iraq and Iran, suggesting a shift away from reliance on external powers.

“What the region has witnessed over the past five decades is the result of an exclusionary approach [within the region] and an excessive reliance on external powers,” Enayati said in a written response to questions.

Escalating Attacks and Regional Impact

Gulf Arab states have faced more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks since the outbreak of the war on February 28, with targets including U.S. Diplomatic missions and military bases, as well as critical Gulf oil infrastructure, ports, airports, hotels, and residential and office buildings. Al Jazeera reports that the United Arab Emirates has been particularly impacted, but all Gulf Arab states have condemned the attacks.

Attacks in Saudi Arabia have concentrated on the eastern region, where most of the kingdom’s oil is produced, as well as the Prince Sultan Airbase hosting U.S. Forces and the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, according to Saudi defense ministry statements.

Denial of Responsibility for Saudi Attacks

Enayati denied that Iran was responsible for attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure, including the Ras Tanura refinery and attempted drone attacks on the Shaybah oil field. “Iran is not the party responsible for these attacks, and if Iran had carried them out, it would have announced it,” he stated, without identifying who he believed was responsible. Saudi Defense Ministry statements have not assigned blame for individual incidents.

He asserted that Iran is only targeting U.S. And Israeli targets and interests.

Ongoing Dialogue with Saudi Arabia

Enayati highlighted ongoing contact with Saudi officials, describing relations as “progressing naturally” in many areas. He pointed to Saudi cooperation regarding the departure of Iranians on religious pilgrimage and the provision of medical assistance as positive developments. He also mentioned discussions regarding Saudi Arabia’s commitment not to allow its territory to be used to attack Iran.

A Path to De-escalation

Enayati’s message to Gulf states was that the war “has been imposed on us and the region.” He proposed a resolution involving a halt to attacks by the U.S. And Israel, non-involvement of regional countries, and international guarantees to prevent recurrence. “Only then can we focus on building a prosperous region,” he said.

Regional Tensions and US Role

Behind the scenes, analysts and regional sources indicate growing frustration with the U.S., long their security guarantor, for involving them in a war they did not endorse, The Times of Israel reported. Saudi Arabia and Iran re-established full diplomatic relations in 2023 after years of enmity.

Times Now News reports that Iran has retaliated by launching missiles and drones at Israeli military sites, US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, and Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman, while also striking two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz — killing three Indian nationals.