TEHRAN, IRAN — In a pointed warning on Saturday, March 28, 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a direct message to neighboring Gulf countries: their future development and security depend on denying the U.S. and Israel the use of their territory for military operations against Iran.
The statement, posted on X (formerly Twitter) and broadcast on Iranian state media, marks a significant shift from the “apology” tone seen earlier this month, signaling that Tehran’s patience with “neutral” neighbors hosting U.S. bases has reached a breaking point.
The Strategic Ultimatum
Pezeshkian’s message framed the region’s prosperity as incompatible with the presence of foreign “adversaries” during the 29-day-old war.
- The Warning: “To the countries of the region: If you want development and security, don’t let our enemies run the war from your lands.”
- Retaliatory Policy: He reiterated that while Iran does not conduct “preemptive” strikes, it will retaliate “strongly” if its own infrastructure—particularly economic and energy centers—is targeted.
- Red Lines: The president’s comments specifically target nations like the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, which host major U.S. military installations like Al Udeid and Prince Sultan Air Base.
Action Follows Words: U.S. Vessel Hit Near Oman
Reinforcing the president’s rhetoric, the Iranian military (Khatam al-Anbiya Command) confirmed it targeted a U.S. logistics vessel near the Port of Salalah in Oman on Saturday.
- The Strike: Spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari stated the vessel, which was “supporting the aggressive U.S. army,” was struck at a “considerable distance” from the port.
- Oman’s Vulnerability: This follows two drone strikes on the Port of Salalah earlier this morning, which injured one foreign worker and damaged a crane. Oman’s role as a mediator is being severely tested as its ports become frequent targets of the “Axis of Resistance.”
The “Trust” Factor in Islamabad
The timing of Pezeshkian’s warning is critical. It follows a one-hour telephone call with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is leading the regional peace push.
- Pezeshkian’s Stance: During the call, the Iranian President told PM Shehbaz that “trust” is the essential ingredient for any ceasefire. He praised Pakistan’s mediation but signaled that trust cannot exist while neighboring lands are used as “launchpads” for coalition F-35s and Tomahawks.
- The “Axis” Coordination: This diplomatic warning coincides with the Houthi official declaration of war and their first ballistic missile launch at Israel this morning, suggesting a coordinated effort to pressure Gulf states into distancing themselves from the U.S. before the April 6 energy deadline.
| Country | Key U.S. Asset | Iranian “Threat” Status |
| Qatar | Al Udeid Air Base | High; Missiles intercepted over Doha this month. |
| Saudi Arabia | Prince Sultan Air Base | Active Combat; U.S. AWACS and tankers damaged Friday. |
| Kuwait | Kuwait Int’l Airport | Critical; Radar systems destroyed by drones Saturday. |
| UAE/Bahrain | Naval Base / Logistical Hubs | Warning Issued; Potential targeting of Gulf islands. |
The “Ring of Fire” Tightens
By linking “development and security” to the expulsion of U.S. forces, Iran is attempting to break the coalition’s regional logistics chain. This strategy forces Gulf monarchs to weigh the long-term benefits of their U.S. security umbrella against the immediate physical destruction of their multi-billion-dollar “Vision” projects and energy infrastructure.
