Iran has no hostility towards Gulf neighbours, but will not stay silent if their territory is used
Photo: Collected
Tehran has stated its support for mutual cooperation with its neighbours to build lasting security in the Gulf region. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said his country has no hostility of any kind towards these neighbouring countries. Al Jazeera reported this.
Along with the message of cooperation, Baghaei also issued a warning. He said Tehran will not remain silent if the territory of any neighbouring country is used to violate Iran’s sovereignty or threaten the security of its people.
He said, ‘Iran has no hostility towards the countries of the region. We support cooperation and coordination to establish lasting security. But Iran cannot remain silent if the territory of any regional country is used to violate our national sovereignty or threaten the security of our people.’
According to Baghaei, some neighbouring Gulf countries have become excessively dependent on and reliant on the US military presence. Some countries are also actively cooperating with it.
He further said, ‘Building mutual trust is a two-way process. Iran’s reasonable expectation is that regional countries will not allow their territory or facilities to be used against a large neighbouring country.’
Source: Al Jazeera
Background
According to an Al Jazeera report of 28 March, the US and Israel began air strikes across Iran on 28 February 2026. On 27 March, Iran carried out missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base.
According to an Oman Observer report of 10 June, the US and Iran agreed to a ceasefire in April. Then in June, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards fired missiles and drones targeting US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
The chief of Iran’s armed forces, Major General Ali Abdollahi, warned Gulf countries not to assist the US military, All India Radio’s news website reported on 19 August.
At a glance
According to an Al Jazeera report of 26 June, a joint statement came after a ministerial meeting between the US and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Manama, Bahrain. Iran’s Foreign Ministry rejected the statement as interventionist. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said at the time that the Gulf countries had made a mistake by seeking protection from the US.
Sources
Original report: Bangladesh Pratidin
Background sources: Al Jazeera, 28 March 2026; Oman Observer, 10 June 2026; All India Radio News, 19 August 2026; Al Jazeera, 26 June 2026
