Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has effectively drawn a map for Gulf states, pointing to a clear road toward peace that runs through the decision to deny US and Israeli forces access to their territory. His message, delivered more than a month into the Iran-US war, presents Gulf governments with a straightforward if difficult choice. Tehran is using the language of guidance and shared interest to frame what is essentially a strategic demand.
The war has created a deeply complex situation for Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman, which have found themselves targeted by Iranian retaliatory strikes as a result of hosting US military operations against Iran. The damage to Gulf infrastructure and economies has been significant. Gulf governments are desperate for a way out of a conflict that is steadily eroding their stability.
In a post on X, Pezeshkian communicated Iran’s military doctrine of non-aggression and firm retaliation, while making a pointed appeal to Gulf leaders. He argued that the road to peace, development, and security was clearly marked, and that Gulf governments only needed to take the step of denying enemy forces access to their land. The message was both a direction and a challenge.
Pakistan’s diplomatic role has been central to the regional peace effort, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif serving as an effective intermediary between Iran and other parties. Sharif’s meeting with Pezeshkian confirmed that Iran sees trust as the essential starting point for any formal peace process. Pakistan’s contributions have been publicly recognised and praised by Tehran.
A significant multilateral diplomatic gathering in Pakistan is bringing together foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey for focused consultations on the conflict. Their discussions with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Prime Minister Sharif are aimed at coordinating a regional approach to de-escalation. The meeting represents a major diplomatic opportunity that could help determine the future course of the war.