Iran’s Ambassador Calls for Regional Review Amid Gulf Tensions

Iran's ambassador to Saudi Arabia says Middle Eastern nations need a comprehensive reassessment of their relationships following ongoing regional conflicts. The diplomat denies Tehran's involvement in recent attacks on Saudi oil facilities while calling for reduced foreign interference in Gulf affairs.

Iran’s top diplomat in Saudi Arabia is calling for a comprehensive reassessment of Middle Eastern relationships as regional tensions continue to escalate, according to a Reuters interview published Sunday.

Ambassador Alireza Enayati told the news agency that neighboring countries in the Gulf region must conduct a thorough examination of their diplomatic ties in response to what he described as ongoing U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran.

When questioned about potential damage to regional relationships, Enayati responded: “It’s a valid question, and the answer may be simple. We are neighbors and we cannot do without each other; we will need a serious review.”

The Iranian representative criticized what he called decades of divisive policies and over-dependence on foreign powers in the region. In his written responses to questions, he advocated for stronger connections between the Gulf Cooperation Council’s six nations, plus Iraq and Iran.

“What the region has witnessed over the past five decades is the result of an exclusionary approach [within the region] and an excessive reliance on external powers,” Enayati stated.

Gulf Arab nations have endured more than 2,000 missile and drone strikes since hostilities began on February 28, according to the report. These attacks have targeted American diplomatic facilities and military installations, as well as vital oil infrastructure, ports, airports, hotels, and civilian buildings throughout the region.

The United Arab Emirates, which established diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020, has experienced the most severe attacks. However, all Gulf Arab states have been affected and have publicly criticized Iran’s actions.

Regional analysts and sources indicate growing private frustration with the United States, traditionally viewed as the area’s security protector, for involving Gulf states in a conflict they didn’t support but are suffering consequences from.

In Saudi Arabia specifically, strikes have focused on the eastern provinces where the kingdom produces most of its oil, the Prince Sultan Airbase housing U.S. personnel east of Riyadh, and the Diplomatic Quarter in the capital’s western section, according to Saudi defense ministry reports.

Saudi Arabia and Iran restored complete diplomatic relations in 2023, ending years of hostility during which both countries supported opposing political and military groups across the region.

Regarding attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, including the Ras Tanura refinery on the eastern coast and numerous drone attempts on the Shaybah oil field near the UAE border, Enayati firmly denied Iranian responsibility.

“Iran is not the party responsible for these attacks, and if Iran had carried them out, it would have announced it,” the ambassador declared, though he didn’t identify who he believes conducted the strikes.

Saudi Defense Ministry statements have not attributed responsibility for specific incidents. Enayati maintained that Iran only targets U.S. and Israeli assets and interests.

The ambassador reported maintaining regular communication with Saudi officials, describing relations as “progressing naturally” in multiple areas. He praised Saudi cooperation in helping Iranian religious pilgrims leave the kingdom and providing medical assistance to others.

Enayati confirmed Tehran has been in contact with Riyadh regarding Saudi Arabia’s public commitment not to allow its territory, waters, or airspace to be used for attacks against Iran, though he didn’t elaborate on those discussions.

His message to Gulf nations emphasized that the current conflict “has been imposed on us and the region.”

To end the hostilities, Enayati said the United States and Israel must stop their attacks, regional countries should remain uninvolved, and international guarantees must be established to prevent future conflicts.

“Only then can we focus on building a prosperous region,” he concluded.