Iran Warns Gulf States It Will Target Infrastructure to Deter US Strikes, Sources Say

Iran has conducted a high-level diplomatic campaign to warn Gulf states that it will retaliate against their critical infrastructure if they do not convince the U.S. to de-escalate military threats, according to senior Iranian and Gulf officials and a regional diplomat cited by Reuters.

The message, delivered following U.S. President Donald Trump's threat on July 28 to strike Iran's energy network, specified that any U.S. attack on Iran would trigger retaliatory strikes on the energy and water facilities of Washington's key Arab allies.

Diplomatic Pressure Campaign

According to sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi conveyed the warning in conversations with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, as well as with Pakistan's army chief. The message was described as an unequivocal threat to regional economic stability.

• Targeted Assets: The warning envisaged attacks on oil fields, refineries, power grids, and water infrastructure.
• Core Message: A Gulf source summarized the Iranian position: "if America targeted Iran’s infrastructure, they would retaliate by striking Gulf energy facilities and other regional targets."
• Stated Goal: While threatening retaliation, Iran also emphasized that a "diplomatic solution is the best way to avoid wider escalation and destruction across the region," according to a senior diplomat familiar with the discussions.

Regional Response and US-Saudi Talks

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The Iranian diplomatic push appears to have prompted a reaction from regional powers. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly spoke with President Trump after the warning was received, urging him to delay military action and pursue a diplomatic settlement, according to the senior diplomat and Gulf sources.

While pushing for diplomacy, Riyadh has also made clear it would defend itself if threatened, with one Gulf source stating that any attack on its territory would be met with a military response. On August 2, President Trump said he had agreed to cancel a planned attack on Iran, "subject to being able to rapidly make a deal."

Strategic Leverage and Market Context

This strategy highlights Iran's attempt to use the economic vulnerability of its neighbors as leverage against potential U.S. military action. The threat is underscored by the September 2019 drone and missile attacks on Saudi Aramco's Abqaiq and Khurais facilities, which temporarily cut more than half of the kingdom's crude output and exposed the fragility of global energy supply chains.

From Tehran's perspective, the U.S. now faces a choice between a wider conflict that could severely disrupt global energy markets or a negotiated outcome. A key obstacle to a deal, a senior regional diplomat noted, is Washington's reported reluctance to accept any resolution that could be portrayed as an Iranian victory.