Key facts
- Iran has warned Gulf states that any new U.S. attack would prompt retaliation against their energy, power, and water infrastructure.
- The warning was delivered through high-level diplomatic contacts after President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran's energy network.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi urged Gulf allies to use their influence with Trump to prevent renewed strikes.
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman subsequently spoke with Trump, urging him to delay military action and pursue a diplomatic settlement.
- President Trump stated on August 2 that he agreed to cancel an attack on Iran, contingent on reaching a deal.
Iran has issued explicit warnings to Gulf states that Tehran will target their oil, power, and water plants if the United States launches further attacks, according to sources. This diplomatic push aims to deter additional U.S. military action by threatening severe economic disruption across the region. The warnings were delivered through high-level contacts after President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran's energy network and infrastructure.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi conveyed the message to his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, as well as Pakistan's army chief. He urged these nations to use their influence with Trump to prevent renewed strikes, emphasizing that while Iran is prepared to retaliate, a diplomatic solution is the preferred path to avoid wider escalation.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman subsequently spoke with Trump, advocating for a delay in military action and a return to negotiations. The diplomatic campaign highlights Iran's strategy of leveraging regional vulnerabilities, confronting Arab allies of Washington with the potential for their critical infrastructure to be targeted in any renewed U.S.-Iran confrontation.