Iran’s Warring : Gulf States Risk Military Retaliation for U.S. Collaboration

Tehran has officially alerted several Gulf and Middle Eastern countries of its readiness to respond militarily if they assist the United States in a potential conflict. The Iranian government communicated this message to Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, and Bahrain, emphasizing that any support for U.S. operations, including the provision of airspace for American aircraft, would be regarded as an act of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

This warning comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, fueled by Washington’s recent threats to intensify sanctions and potential military action in response to Iranian regional activities. Iranian officials made it clear that nations cooperating with U.S. forces could face severe repercussions, including military retaliation. Tehran’s stance leaves these countries with a difficult choice: maintain neutrality or risk further escalation.

Iran’s actions reflect its strategy to prevent the formation of an anti-Iran coalition in the region. The countries involved, many of which are key U.S. allies and host to American military bases. For instance, Qatar and Bahrain have historically served as critical staging grounds for U.S. operations, while Turkey, a NATO member, collaborates with Washington on military issues. Iraq, despite its fraught relationship with the U.S., remains a vital link in regional logistics.

Tensions heightened in April 2025 when U.S. officials accused Iran of backing attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities by pro-Iranian groups. In response, Washington deployed additional forces to the Persian Gulf, including an aircraft carrier group, prompting a swift reaction from Tehran, which conducted military exercises near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

While regional players have yet to publicly comment, diplomatic sources indicate that tense discussions are ongoing in the capitals of the affected nations. Kuwait and the UAE, whose economies rely heavily on Gulf stability, expressed alarm over Iran’s warnings, concerned about the potential economic fallout from a conflict. Turkey has stated through its Foreign Ministry that it will act in accordance with its national interests, though it has not clarified its position regarding U.S. requests. Iraq, grappling with its own internal challenges, finds itself in a precarious situation given the presence of American troops on its soil.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has placed the nation’s armed forces on high alert in response to perceived threats from the U.S. Iranian MP Mohammad Qasim Osmani has called for an expedited development of nuclear weapons, asserting that Iran’s nuclear capabilities should empower it to negotiate from a position of strength. “Nuclear knowledge, given the investments we have made, must be leveraged for our security, ensuring we can engage in negotiations on equal footing,” he stated in a recent address.