Iran has warned that the energy infrastructure of Persian Gulf countries could become targets of retaliatory attacks if the United States launches a new strike on Iranian territory.
Modern.az reports that "Reuters" news agency spread information citing diplomatic sources.
According to the information, the warning was made after US President Donald Trump's statement about possible strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure and electricity grid.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held telephone conversations with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, as well as with the Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Army. Tehran called on Washington's regional allies to use their influence to prevent the situation from escalating into military conflict.
According to regional diplomats, Iran's message to all partners was the same: Tehran is ready to respond, but the best way to prevent a large-scale conflict is a diplomatic solution.
Sources from Gulf countries stated that Iran has clearly declared that if its energy facilities are attacked, it could strike oil fields, refineries, electricity grids, water supply and transport infrastructure in the region, as well as other targets related to the US.
According to the agency, with this warning, Tehran is trying, on the one hand, to put pressure on Washington, and on the other hand, to put the Gulf countries, where US military bases are located and which depend on energy exports, in a difficult position.
According to sources, after these contacts, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a telephone conversation with Donald Trump, urging him to postpone military operations, return to negotiations, and choose a diplomatic solution.
Qatar and Oman also supported the resumption of talks between Washington and Tehran. According to an Iranian source, countries in the region fear that a new conflict could turn the entire Middle East into a "ball of fire."
At the same time, Riyadh has stated that it will defend itself if its territory is threatened and will respond militarily to any attack.
According to Tehran's assessment, Donald Trump has two choices: either continue the escalation that could engulf the entire region and affect the global energy market, or agree to a diplomatic settlement that may not appear as a complete victory for the US.
