Iran’s military chief issues stark warning to Gulf states as President Trump embarks on his first major international tour of the oil-rich region since returning to the White House.
At a Glance
- President Trump is visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE on his first major international trip of his second term
- Iran’s military chief Mohammad Bagheri urged Gulf nations to maintain neutrality amid concerns of foreign intervention
- The trip focuses on economic interests and potential business deals in energy-rich nations
- Trump’s decision not to visit Israel and his willingness to negotiate with Iran has raised concerns in Tel Aviv
- Regional challenges include the intensifying conflict in Gaza and Iran’s nuclear program
Trump’s Gulf Visit Sparks Iranian Warning
President Donald Trump has embarked on a four-day tour of Gulf Arab states, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates in his first major international trip since beginning his second term. The visit comes at a critical time for the region, with ongoing conflicts in Gaza and heightened tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. As Trump touches down in Riyadh, Iran’s military chief Mohammad Bagheri has issued a stark warning to Gulf nations, urging them to maintain neutrality amid what Tehran perceives as dangerous foreign intervention in regional affairs.
Bagheri’s warning, highlighted by Iran’s Nournews media outlet, emphasizes Tehran’s concern about external powers inflaming regional disputes. The timing of this statement coincides directly with Trump’s high-profile visit to countries that have historically maintained tense relations with Iran. Trump’s trip is primarily focused on economic interests and potential business deals in these energy-rich nations, many of which already feature Trump-branded real estate projects.
Regional Tensions and Strategic Shifts
Notably absent from Trump’s itinerary is Israel, which has raised concerns about U.S. support for Israeli interests in the region. Further complicating matters, the U.S. has halted strikes on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, a move that has surprised Israeli officials. Trump’s willingness to engage in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program has also caused concern in Tel Aviv, where policymakers worry about potential changes in America’s strategic approach to the region.
“Trump can easily score a win by reassuring them of America’s strategic commitment to the region, demonstrating consistent messaging and generally rising above the fray,” according to Elizabeth Dent and Simon Henderson.
Iran’s economy continues to struggle under international sanctions, and the country faces significant internal political pressure. Despite these challenges, Tehran remains determined to assert its influence in the region and push back against what it perceives as American interference. The tension between Iran and the Gulf states has been further inflamed by Trump’s past consideration of renaming the Persian Gulf to the “Arabian Gulf,” a proposal that drew sharp criticism from Iranian religious and political leaders.
Diplomatic Balancing Act
Trump’s 2017 Middle East trip had significant consequences, leading to the Qatar crisis when Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE imposed a boycott on Doha. This history adds an additional layer of complexity to the current visit, as Qatar plans a Trump-branded development and has offered a luxury Boeing 747-8 to the United States as a gift. These gestures indicate Qatar’s eagerness to maintain positive relations with the Trump administration despite past tensions.
“This gulf has always been the Persian Gulf — and it will forever remain the Persian Gulf,” declared Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, highlighting Iran’s sensitivity to regional identity issues.
Iran’s leadership continues to emphasize its dedication to regional stability and balance, advocating for neighboring states to adopt a position free from external influence. Bagheri’s call for neutrality serves as a clear warning against potential conflicts that could arise from political alliances, particularly those formed with the United States. As Trump continues his tour of the Gulf states, the region remains a complex chessboard of competing interests, with Iran determined to maintain its position as a key player despite American efforts to isolate it.
