Iran Warns Gulf States of Retaliation Following U.S. Strike Threats

Iran has warned Gulf states that any new U.S. attack on its territory would trigger retaliation against critical energy infrastructure across the region. According to five sources, the warning followed a July 28 threat by President Donald Trump to strike Iran's energy network and infrastructure. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi communicated this message to his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, as well as to Pakistan's army chief. Araqchi urged these Gulf allies to use their influence with Trump to dissuade him from launching strikes, stating that while Iran is ready to retaliate, a diplomatic solution is the best way to avoid wider destruction. One Iranian official specified that targets would include refineries, electricity grids, water infrastructure, transport networks, and oil fields. In response, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump to urge a delay in military action and a return to negotiations. Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia have all urged Washington to resume talks to avert a conflict that Iranian officials warned could turn the region into a fireball. On August 2, Trump stated he agreed to cancel the attack subject to being able to rapidly make a deal. While Saudi Arabia urged diplomacy, the kingdom also stated it would defend itself with a military response if its own territory were attacked. Ali Shihabi, a Saudi analyst close to the Royal Court, noted that the kingdom believes a combination of proportionate military responses and pressure in the Strait of Hormuz offers the strongest path toward a settlement. Additionally, Iran's clerical leadership has demanded the closure of U.S. military bases in the Gulf and requested that Gulf states stop sharing intelligence with Washington.