Iran is fighting on two fronts simultaneously: conducting retaliatory strikes in Gulf nations while pursuing diplomatic dialogue through Pakistan’s mediation. President Masoud Pezeshkian articulated both dimensions this week — warning Gulf governments via X to stop hosting US and Israeli operations, and telling Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that trust is the key to peace talks. The dual-front strategy reflects Iran’s approach to the conflict, now more than a month old.
Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman have been drawn into the war through US military bases on their soil. American strikes against Iran from these locations have prompted Tehran’s retaliatory attacks in those countries. Gulf governments are navigating an extraordinarily difficult position as the conflict’s regional reach continues to expand.
Pezeshkian confirmed Iran’s defensive military posture, saying the country does not launch preemptive strikes but will respond forcefully to attacks on its economic or infrastructure assets. He warned Gulf governments that hosting enemy forces makes them part of the conflict, not neutral observers. His message underlines Iran’s view that the regional status quo must change for the war to end.
Pakistan’s mediation has been recognized by Tehran as valuable. Prime Minister Sharif confirmed that Pezeshkian told him trust must be built as a precondition for any formal peace negotiations. Pakistan’s foreign ministry is hosting the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey in Islamabad to discuss strategies for de-escalation and regional stability.
Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar will lead the talks and also meet with Prime Minister Sharif. Iran has praised Pakistan’s genuine and constructive engagement in the peace process. Whether the Islamabad meetings can translate diplomatic goodwill into a workable framework for a ceasefire will define the next phase of the conflict.