Amid reports of regional discussions taking place in Pakistan to explore ways to end the ongoing conflict, Gulf leaders have laid down a set of clear conditions for any future engagement with Tehran. UAE presidential advisor Anwar Gargash said these demands must be met if Iran is serious about restoring stability in the region.

Gulf countries have accused Iran of pursuing a “double game”, engaging in talks while allegedly continuing to support proxy groups such as the Houthis in Yemen. According to officials, such actions have eroded trust and will no longer be tolerated.

A key demand from Saudi Arabia and the UAE is compensation for damages caused by past attacks, including strikes on critical infrastructure. These include the 2019 attack on Saudi Arabia’s Aramco oil facilities and drone and missile incidents targeting Abu Dhabi, which Gulf nations believe were linked to Iran-backed groups.

Another major condition is the requirement for a binding and verifiable guarantee of non-aggression. Saudi Arabia has made it clear that verbal assurances will not suffice, insisting instead on a formal agreement that prevents Iran from supporting armed groups across the region while simultaneously engaging in diplomatic talks.

Gargash described Iran’s current leadership as a significant threat to regional security. The remarks also indicate a cooling of earlier reconciliation efforts between Riyadh and Tehran, which had been facilitated by China.

Leaders in the Gulf now appear increasingly sceptical about the prospects of lasting peace under Iran’s current political framework, citing continued tensions in countries like Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.

With these conditions now on the table, analysts say the onus is on Iran to respond. Failure to comply could lead to further diplomatic and economic isolation, with Gulf nations potentially backing stronger international measures against Tehran.

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