Iran demands clarity from Gulf nations on 'encouraging' US strikes, denies talks with Witkoff: 'To mislead oil traders'

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi called on neighbouring countries to clarify their positions after media reports suggested some Gulf States hosting US forces may be encouraging continued attacks on Iran.

Araghchi, writing on X, said “hundreds of Iranian civilians have been killed in Israel-U.S. bombings, including over 200 children,” and pointed to reports alleging that Gulf States hosting US bases were also encouraging the campaign.

“Reports claim that some neighboring states which host U.S. forces and permit attacks on Iran are also actively encouraging this slaughter. Stances should be promptly clarified,” he wrote.

Araghchi did not directly accuse any country, but his remarks come amid growing scrutiny of the role of Gulf Arab states as the conflict enters its third week.

“According to several officials, the advice Mr. Trump is getting from the prince is to keep hitting the Iranians hard,” the report said.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that while Gulf Arab states did not initially call for war, some now believe Washington should go further to weaken Iran’s military capabilities.

Iran has targeted airports, ports, oil facilities and commercial hubs across the Gulf, and has disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia has rejected suggestions it is advocating a prolonged war.

An Al Arabiya report, citing a Saudi source, said that claims in the New York Times report are false.

Araghchi also rejected a media report that claimed that the direct communications channel between him and US envoy Steve Witkoff has been reactivated in recent days.

"My last contact with Mr. Witkoff was prior to his employer's decision to kill diplomacy with another illegal military attack on Iran," the foreign minister said. "Any claim to the contrary appears geared solely to mislead oil traders and the public."