Egypt Daily News – The military-focused website “AviaPro” reported that Iran has issued an official ultimatum to several Gulf and Middle Eastern countries, signaling severe consequences if they assist the United States in a potential conflict.
According to the report, Iran informed Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, and Bahrain that any form of support to the U.S., including providing airspace for American planes, would be considered an act of aggression against Iran. This message was delivered through diplomatic channels, emphasizing Iran’s serious intentions.
The ultimatum comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the U.S. following Washington’s recent threats to tighten sanctions and potential military actions in response to Iran’s activities in the region. Iran’s statement makes it clear that any country cooperating with U.S. forces would automatically become an adversary to Iran, which could lead to retaliatory actions, including military responses.
It has stated it will not tolerate even indirect involvement by its neighbors in any potential U.S. attacks, forcing them to choose between neutrality and the risk of escalation. This move reflects Iran’s strategy of containment, aimed at preventing the formation of an anti-Iran alliance in the region.
The countries involved, many of which are key U.S. allies and host American military bases, now find themselves in a difficult geopolitical situation. For instance, Qatar and Bahrain have long served as launch points for Pentagon operations, and Turkey, a NATO member, actively cooperates with the U.S. on military matters. Despite Iraq’s strained relationship with the U.S., it remains a vital logistics hub in the region.
The situation escalated in April 2025 after U.S. officials accused Iran of supporting attacks on Saudi oil facilities by Iran-aligned groups. In response, Washington began moving additional forces to the Gulf, including an aircraft carrier group, prompting a strong reaction from Tehran.
In turn, Iranian authorities conducted a series of military drills near the Strait of Hormuz, showcasing their readiness to defend their interests and threatening to block a key oil export route.
So far, regional players have refrained from publicly commenting on the situation. However, diplomatic sources report that tense consultations are ongoing in the capitals of the involved countries. In Kuwait and the UAE, where the economies are heavily dependent on Gulf stability, Iran’s warning has sparked concern, especially regarding the potential economic fallout of a conflict.
Turkey, which has its own ambitions in the region, stated through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs that it would act solely in its national interest, without specifying its stance on U.S. requests.
Meanwhile, Iraq, plagued by internal contradictions, finds itself particularly vulnerable given the presence of U.S. forces on its soil.
