Saturday, May 16, 2026

Iran Warns Gulf States Over U.S. Military Cooperation, Signals Limits to Restraint

Iran Warns Gulf States Over U.S. Military Cooperation, Signals Limits to Restraint

Senior Iranian officials have warned that the country’s patience toward Persian Gulf states could “run out” if they continue cooperating with the United States and hosting American military influence in the region.

In a post shared on social media, senior adviser to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Mohammad Mokhber, said Iran has long viewed its neighbors in the Persian Gulf as friendly states, but accused some of them of aligning with the United States and Israel.

He argued that certain regional governments had effectively allowed foreign military influence on their territory and were “serving the interests of Iran’s adversaries,” referring to the United States and Israel.

Mokhber warned that although Iran had exercised restraint during recent regional tensions, such restraint should not be interpreted as permanent. He said Tehran’s response to U.S. military presence in the region—particularly facilities linked to U.S. Central Command (United States Central Command)—could change if current policies continue.

The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Iran and several Gulf Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates, which has previously accused Iran of violating its sovereignty during past regional escalations involving U.S. and Israeli military activity.

Iranian officials maintain that earlier retaliatory actions were directed at U.S. military sites in the region, and insist that broader escalation was avoided despite what they describe as “provocations.”

The latest statement adds to already strained relations between Tehran and some Gulf capitals, where diplomatic friction has persisted over security alliances, regional conflicts, and foreign military deployments.

While Iran has recently signaled openness to regional dialogue, Mokhber’s comments suggest that Tehran continues to view U.S. military infrastructure in neighboring states as a potential trigger for renewed escalation if tensions increase.

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