The nations of the Gulf are discovering what it means to be caught between two major powers at war. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a public ultimatum of sorts, telling Gulf governments that allowing US and Israeli forces to operate from their territory makes peace impossible. The statement was made on X and comes at the one-month mark of an intensifying conflict.
Iran has retaliated against attacks it traced to US bases inside Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman. These retaliatory strikes have created a crisis for Gulf governments that are trying to balance longstanding security alliances with the reality of Iranian firepower. The war has become very much a regional affair despite its origins as a bilateral clash.
Pezeshkian made his country’s defensive military posture explicit in his social media post, vowing strong retaliation for any targeting of Iran’s infrastructure or economic centers. He then directed a message at the region’s governments, connecting their long-term security and development to the decision to stop hosting enemy operations on their soil. It was a message crafted to appeal to both self-interest and regional solidarity.
Pakistan has emerged as a credible and valued mediator, with its prime minister in direct dialogue with Iranian leadership. Sharif confirmed that Pezeshkian sees trust as the cornerstone of any viable negotiation framework. Iran’s public endorsement of Pakistan’s mediation efforts has given Islamabad additional leverage in bringing parties together.
Pakistan is hosting a significant regional summit, with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey convening to discuss de-escalation paths. Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar is at the center of these discussions. The outcome of this gathering may determine whether the conflict enters a new phase or begins to wind down.