Gulf States Urge Restraint Amid Escalating US-Iran Tensions

Gulf states have called for calm amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, urging both parties to keep diplomatic channels open. In a statement issued from the region, leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman stressed the importance of strategic restraint and warned that abandoning negotiations could lead to further instability in the Persian Gulf.

Iran, meanwhile, has reiterated its claim that the Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime chokepoint through which a quarter of the world’s oil passes—is under its control. Tehran’s message, broadcast through state media, underscores the country’s insistence that the waterway remains within its jurisdiction, a stance that has intensified concerns among shipping and energy markets. The U.S. has repeatedly highlighted the need for freedom of navigation in the strait, adding to the diplomatic friction.

The call for measured engagement comes as both sides weigh the economic and security implications of a potential breakdown in talks. While the Gulf coalition seeks to prevent a spiral into conflict, Tehran’s declaration signals a hardening of its position on the strait, underscoring the delicate balance of power in the region.