Reuters: Iran issues stern warning to Gulf states over airspace use

Tehran has warned Gulf states that it would be "unacceptable" for them to permit their airspace to be used against Iran, with any such action likely to provoke a response.

This assertion was made by a senior Iranian official on October 8 amidst rising concerns about potential Israeli retaliation following last week’s missile attack by Iran, Caliber.Az reports per Reuters.

The comments come as Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, is set to travel to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations for discussions. They follow recent talks held between Iran and Gulf Arab capitals during an Asia conference in Qatar, where Gulf states sought to reassure Iran of their neutrality in any conflict involving Tehran and Israel.

"Iran made it clear that any action by a Persian Gulf country against Tehran, whether through the use of airspace or military bases, will be regarded by Tehran as an action taken by the entire group, and Tehran will respond accordingly," the senior Iranian official said.

He added, "The message emphasised the need for regional unity against Israel and the importance of securing stability. It also made clear that any assistance to Israel, such as allowing the use of a regional country’s airspace for actions against Iran, is unacceptable."

Despite the tensions, the official noted that Iran did not discuss the possibility of Gulf Arab oil producers increasing output should Iranian production be disrupted during any escalation.

A Western diplomat in the Gulf revealed that during the Gulf-Iran meeting in Doha on October 3, Iran reiterated its call for regional unity in the face of an Israeli attack, stating that the neutrality of Gulf states would be regarded as a minimum requirement.

The diplomat commented, "Iran has made it clear that it will keep a close eye on how each Gulf country responds in the event of an Israeli attack, as well as on the utilisation of US bases located in their territories."

Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia all host US military facilities or troops, adding another layer of complexity to the region's geopolitical dynamics.

By Aghakazim Guliyev