Iran has called for a “serious review” of its relations with Gulf states while firmly denying responsibility for recent attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure, according to Tehran’s ambassador to Riyadh.
Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, said relations between Iran and Gulf countries must be reassessed in light of the ongoing war involving the United States and Israel. He argued that regional states should reduce reliance on external powers and strengthen cooperation among neighboring countries.
The comments come as the Middle East conflict continues to spill across the Gulf, with missile and drone attacks reported on energy facilities, ports and other infrastructure in several countries since the war began in late February. Gulf states have faced thousands of such attacks during the conflict, raising concerns over regional security and global energy supplies.
Enayati rejected allegations that Iran was behind attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s oil sector, including strikes on the Ras Tanura refinery and attempted drone attacks on the Shaybah oil field near the UAE border. He said Tehran was not responsible for the incidents and insisted Iran only targets U.S. and Israeli interests in the region.
Despite rising tensions, the envoy said Iran remains in contact with Saudi officials and that relations between the two countries continue in several areas, including cooperation related to religious pilgrimages and humanitarian assistance.
Iran and Saudi Arabia restored diplomatic relations in 2023 after years of rivalry, but the current regional conflict has raised concerns that the fragile rapprochement could face new pressure.