Iran is actively pursuing diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations to establish a regional security framework led by Middle Eastern states, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. On Tuesday, Araghchi stated that Tehran holds no hostility toward the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, noting that the initiative aims to build security arrangements established by the region itself, entirely free from foreign military presence.
In a statement on X, the Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for the positive roles played by Qatar and Oman, while confirming that Iran continues its ongoing dialogue with Saudi Arabia. Speaking in a separate interview with the Qatar-based network Al Jazeera on Monday, Araghchi revealed that Iran had discussed these potential security arrangements with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan during recent visits by delegations from those nations to Tehran. He indicated that these discussions focused on regional cooperation to address shared political, security, and economic challenges, with all four countries agreeing to maintain consultations at various levels.
While Tehran maintains it has no intention of targeting nations it views as friendly within the Gulf, Araghchi issued a warning that American military bases and other US targets in the region would be included in Iran’s response should Washington launch an attack. He urged Gulf states to help prevent renewed confrontation in the area.
Additionally, Araghchi outlined a proposal, mediated by Qatar, regarding the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Under this plan, Washington would first be required to implement a series of measures demanded by Tehran, including the lifting of sanctions imposed following the Islamabad memorandum, the cessation of the maritime blockade, the authorization of Iranian oil exports, the release of frozen assets, and a reduction of the US military presence in the region to previous levels. Following these actions, the strategic waterway would be reopened the next day.
