Iran says Gulf relations need ‘Serious Review’, denies role in Saudi oil attacks

Riyadh, March 16, 2026: Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, has said that relations with Gulf states will need a “serious review” because of the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. He emphasized that the region must reduce dependence on external powers to achieve prosperity.

Enayati told Reuters that despite the war, “We are neighbours and we cannot do without each other; we will need a serious review.” He highlighted that the past five decades of regional politics were marked by exclusionary policies and over-reliance on external actors. Iran calls for closer ties among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, along with Iraq and Iran, to strengthen regional stability.

Since the conflict began on February 28, 2026, Gulf states have faced more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks, targeting US diplomatic missions, military bases, oil infrastructure, ports, airports, and hotels. The United Arab Emirates—which normalized relations with Israel in 2020—has faced the heaviest toll, but all Gulf nations have condemned the attacks.

Behind the scenes, regional sources say there is growing frustration with the United States, which Gulf states view as dragging them into a war they did not approve of, while they bear significant costs.

In Saudi Arabia, attacks have mainly hit the eastern region, where most oil production occurs, the Prince Sultan Airbase east of Riyadh, and the Diplomatic Quarter on the western side of the capital, according to the Saudi defense ministry. Saudi Arabia and Iran restored full diplomatic relations in 2023 after years of hostility.

Ambassador Enayati denied Iranian responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil facilities, including the Ras Tanura refinery and attempted drone strikes on the Shaybah oil field. He said Iran targets only US and Israeli interests. Saudi authorities have not assigned blame for the attacks.

Enayati said he maintains active contact with Saudi officials and described cooperation in areas such as facilitating the departure of Iranian pilgrims and providing medical assistance. Discussions also cover Saudi guarantees that its territory will not be used to attack Iran.

The ambassador stressed that the war has been imposed on Iran and the region, and the path to resolving it requires cessation of US and Israeli attacks, avoidance of regional involvement, and international guarantees to prevent further conflict.

“Only then can we focus on building a prosperous region,” Enayati said, emphasizing that Gulf-Iran cooperation remains essential despite the conflict.