Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has accused Gulf states of potentially encouraging US military action against Iran behind the scenes, demanding clarification over reports that Saudi Arabia’s leadership privately supported continued strikes.
Claims of covert encouragement
Araghchi raised concerns following reports that Mohammed bin Salman had urged US President Donald Trump to “hit the Iranians hard” during private discussions.
The Iranian foreign minister warned that such actions, if confirmed, would represent a serious escalation and undermine regional stability.
Discrepancy between public and private positions
Iranian officials have pointed to what they describe as a gap between Gulf states’ public calls for de-escalation and alleged private encouragement of military pressure on Tehran. Reports suggest that some regional actors may be balancing diplomatic messaging with strategic interests tied to weakening Iran’s influence.
Saudi Arabia has officially denied the claims, with sources dismissing reports that Riyadh encouraged prolonged US military action.
Long-standing regional rivalry
The accusations come against the backdrop of the enduring geopolitical rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, which spans political, military and sectarian dimensions. Analysts note that any perception of covert alignment with US military operations risks further inflaming tensions across the Gulf.
Conflict enters a more volatile phase
The controversy unfolds as the ongoing US–Iran conflict intensifies, with missile and drone strikes reported across multiple Gulf states and critical infrastructure under threat. Iran has warned regional actors against supporting what it views as external aggression, while also signalling its readiness to retaliate against perceived collaborators.
Strategic stakes for Gulf nations
For Gulf states, the situation presents a delicate balancing act. While some may see strategic advantage in a weakened Iran, the risk of direct retaliation—including attacks on energy infrastructure and US-linked assets—remains high. Recent strikes across the region have already highlighted the vulnerability of key economic and security hubs.
Global implications and diplomatic pressure
The dispute adds further complexity to an already volatile geopolitical environment. With global energy markets sensitive to developments in the Gulf, any escalation involving major oil-producing nations could have far-reaching economic consequences.
Calls for clarification and restraint
Araghchi’s demand for clarification underscores growing mistrust between Iran and its regional neighbours. As diplomatic channels come under strain, observers warn that miscalculations or mixed messaging could accelerate the path toward a broader regional conflict.
Newshub Editorial in Middle East – March 17, 2026
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