Iran has warned Gulf states that any new U.S. military strikes on its territory will trigger severe retaliatory attacks against critical regional energy infrastructure, refineries, and utilities. In response, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other Gulf leaders are actively lobbying President Donald Trump to halt military action and pursue a diplomatic settlement. While Riyadh has warned it will defend itself if attacked, Washington remains hesitant to accept any deal that allows Tehran to claim victory.
Iranian retaliation threats
- ▪Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi delivered warnings to counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, as well as Pakistan's army chief.
- ▪Iran warned Gulf countries that any new United States attack on Iranian territory would trigger retaliation against critical regional energy infrastructure.
- ▪Iran's retaliatory warning covers Gulf energy facilities, refineries, electricity grids, water systems, transportation networks, and oil fields.
Gulf state diplomatic pressure
- ▪Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia urged the United States to resume talks with Tehran to avoid a conflict that could turn the region into a fireball.
- ▪Iran has repeatedly demanded the closure of United States military bases in the Gulf and called on Arab states to stop sharing intelligence with Washington.
Saudi mediation with Trump
- ▪Saudi Arabia warned that any direct strike on Saudi territory would prompt a military response from Riyadh.
- ▪Ali Shihabi stated that Riyadh believes a combination of proportionate military responses and sustained pressure in the Strait of Hormuz offers the strongest path to a diplomatic settlement.
- ▪Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Donald Trump, urging him to delay military action, return to negotiations, and secure a ceasefire.
Regional energy infrastructure vulnerability
- ▪The September 2019 drone and missile attacks on Saudi Aramco's Abqaiq and Khurais facilities temporarily disrupted more than half of Saudi crude production.
- ▪Iran is threatening critical Gulf infrastructure to convince Washington and its Arab partners that further attacks carry severe economic and strategic consequences.
US-Iran negotiation obstacles
- ▪Donald Trump stated on August 2, 2026, that he agreed to cancel a planned attack on Iran subject to rapidly reaching a deal.
- ▪A principal obstacle to a US-Iran agreement is Washington's reluctance to allow Tehran to emerge from the conflict claiming victory.
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