Iran warns Gulf states against allowing US or Israeli forces to use their territory

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has formally condemned a joint statement issued by the United States and Gulf nations, labeling it "provocative." The warning, issued earlier today, specifically urges neighboring states to "reconsider their security reliance on Washington" and asserts that granting permission for U.S. or Israeli forces to utilize Gulf territories for operations against Iran would be considered "illegal."

Strategic Context and Regional Pressure

This diplomatic escalation follows the regional tour of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which aimed to solidify security ties between Washington and its Gulf partners. The Iranian response reflects Tehran's ongoing effort to fracture the emerging regional security architecture that includes Israel. By framing the presence of foreign forces as a violation of regional legality, Tehran is attempting to exert pressure on its neighbors to maintain a neutral stance in the ongoing confrontation between the Islamic Republic and the West.

Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz

Alongside the warnings regarding basing, Tehran reiterated its position on the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that the strait lies within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, and that navigation through this critical maritime chokepoint will be managed in accordance with "Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding." This follows previous claims by Iranian officials regarding their authority to regulate shipping in the waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the global market.

Analysis and Outlook

The timing of this statement suggests that Iran remains highly sensitive to the deepening coordination between the second Trump administration and Gulf monarchies. While Tehran has recently engaged in diplomatic channels, including the Islamabad MOU, it continues to use the threat of maritime disruption and regional pressure as primary levers. For Israel, the warning underscores the regime's focus on preventing any formal or informal expansion of the IDF's operational footprint in the Gulf. The situation remains developing as regional capitals weigh their response to Tehran's latest demands.