Exclusive: Gulf States Aim to Reassure Iran of Neutrality in Iran-Israel Conflict, Sources Say

By Maha El Dahan and Pesha Magid

DUBAI – Gulf Arab states aimed to reassure Iran of their neutrality amid the ongoing conflict between Tehran and Israel during recent meetings in Doha, driven by concerns over a potential escalation that could jeopardize their oil infrastructure, according to two sources.

Ministers from Gulf Arab nations, along with Iranian representatives, discussed strategies for de-escalation during a gathering organized by Qatar, the sources reported.

In a significant move, Iran launched its most extensive assault on Israel, claiming it was in retaliation for the targeted killings of high-profile Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, as well as Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

While Tehran stated that its offensive would conclude unless provoked further, Israel has vowed a strong response. Reports indicated that Israel may consider targeting oil production sites within Iran as a countermeasure.

According to one source, urgent de-escalation was a primary focus of the discussions taking place at this time.

The Gulf countries, including the foreign ministries of Qatar, Iran, the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, did not respond promptly to requests for comments.

Although Iran has not made direct threats against Gulf oil facilities, it has cautioned that any intervention by “Israel supporters” could lead to targeting their interests in the region.

Saudi commentator Ali Shihabi noted that Gulf states generally view an Iranian strike on their oil infrastructure as unlikely but acknowledged that unofficial sources hint at such possibilities. He suggested this could be a tactic Iran employs against the U.S. and the global economy.

Saudi Arabia, the leading oil exporter, has engaged in political rapprochement with Tehran in recent years, easing regional tensions despite ongoing complexities in their relationship. The kingdom has remained cautious since a 2019 attack on its critical Abqaiq refinery, which temporarily disrupted over 5% of global oil supply. Iran denied its involvement in that incident.

Shihabi emphasized that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is sending a clear message to Iran: “please de-escalate.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, addressing attendees in Doha, expressed readiness to respond to any threats, warning against remaining silent in the face of Israel’s actions. He affirmed that any military aggression, terrorist act, or violation of Iran’s red lines would be met with a robust response from their armed forces.