Gulf states demand Iran engage in talks as regional war risks grow

Arab leaders and Western allies have issued urgent warnings that fresh military clashes between the United States and Iran could plunge the Middle East into a wider and far more destructive war.

Speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, senior diplomats raised alarms over rising regional perils, including strikes by Iran, operations by Yemen's Houthis, and intensifying threats against vital maritime routes.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty cautioned that any subsequent round of armed conflict between Washington and Tehran would prove significantly worse than previous fighting. He noted that while hostilities can be sparked unilaterally, no single state can manage or halt the fallout once a war begins, warning that past lessons must not be ignored.

The Gulf Cooperation Council emphasized that while its member states remain committed to de-escalating tensions, progress requires genuine engagement from Tehran. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi stated that the bloc continues to pursue dialogue and maintains lines of communication with Iran, alongside outreach to global powers including Western nations, China, and Russia. However, he stressed that successful diplomacy requires partners who reciprocate.

Al Budaiwi pointed out that GCC nations had not triggered the hostilities, yet had sustained civilian casualties and harm to critical infrastructure during Iranian strikes. He also appealed for maritime conditions in the Strait of Hormuz to be restored to how they were before the outbreak of US-Iran fighting on February 28, noting that transit disruptions have heavily impacted energy supplies, commercial shipping, and international supply chains.

Saudi Vice Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji echoed concerns over critical shipping passages, including the Red Sea, the Bab Al Mandeb strait, and the Strait of Hormuz. He called for unified regional and international steps to secure these waters and condemned renewed Houthi strikes on Saudi territory.

Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah Al Zouba criticized Iran, Hezbollah, and Iraqi armed factions for providing assistance to the Houthis, urging international partners to disrupt the flow of weapons and funds to the group. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shaibani also condemned aerial strikes directed at Arab nations and stated that Damascus is working to prevent its borders from being used to destabilize neighbours.

Concurrently, Britain outlined measures taken to bolster regional defences. UK Middle East Minister Stephen Doughty confirmed the deployment of British air defence hardware and personnel to Saudi Arabia following renewed drone and missile attacks by the Houthis. Doughty noted that British forces had conducted defensive air missions over the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan during Iranian strikes, while also extending air defence assistance to Kuwait and Bahrain. While stating that Britain firmly opposes Iran developing nuclear arms, Doughty reiterated that diplomatic paths must continue to be pursued vigorously.

The warnings emerge as negotiations to resolve the confrontation face ongoing gridlock. A temporary deal struck in June failed to produce a sustainable truce or stabilize transit through Hormuz. Although Qatari negotiators travelled to Tehran on Friday, Washington and Tehran remain sharply at odds over nuclear programmes, economic sanctions, and the American naval blockade of Iranian ports.