Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and Oman cautioned the United States against launching airstrikes on Iran, fearing escalation to a wider conflict in the Middle East. The warnings from these longstanding U.S. allies appeared to influence former President Donald Trump’s decision to postpone a military assault.
Concerns Over Regional Conflict Prompted Diplomatic Efforts
Saudi Arabia reportedly denied the U.S. access to its airspace for potential attacks. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan conferred with his counterparts from Iran, Oman, and Turkey on Thursday to continue discussions.
Despite political differences, including Iran’s support for regional proxies and disputes over islands in the Gulf, relations between Iran and Gulf states have shown signs of improvement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has made several visits to Arab capitals, including Bahrain and Cairo, in recent years to foster better ties.
The Saudi-Iranian relationship has been on a recovery path for three years. Gulf states are also mindful of potential disruptions to maritime traffic in the Gulf caused by Iran.
Araghchi has reportedly attempted to portray Iran as less of a risk to global stability than Israel, particularly following an Israeli strike in Doha last September targeting Hamas negotiators. The strike, which killed five lower-ranking members of the group, was carried out without prior notification to the U.S.
The U.S. apologized to Qatar’s emir for the strike and offered new security guarantees. Qatar accused Israel of attempting to undermine peace efforts in the region. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff supports Qatar’s role as a global mediator.
As tensions rose on Wednesday, the U.S. withdrew key personnel from its al-Udeid airbase in Qatar, its largest in the region, following threats from Tehran to target U.S. bases. This highlights the vulnerability of static American bases in the region.
Iran claims the U.S. ordered Israel to end a previous assault on Iranian leadership and its nuclear program after Iran struck a U.S. base. Araghchi has used diplomatic outreach to explain Tehran’s rationale for recent actions.
While many states resent interference from Iranian proxy forces in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, they also fear the consequences of an authoritarian regime being overthrown or the fragmentation of Iran. Saudi Arabia recently suppressed a rebellion in Yemen, and Egypt’s military leadership focuses on suppressing calls for human rights reforms.
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, emphasized the need for negotiations to address regional challenges. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for dialogue between the U.S. and Iran, expressing hope they would resolve the issue directly or through mediation.
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