Gulf Arab states have reassured Iran of their neutrality in the ongoing conflict between Tehran and Israel during meetings held in Doha this week, according to sources reported by Reuters. Concerns about a potential escalation of violence and the risks to vital oil facilities in the region were at the forefront of these discussions.

Ministers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, met with Iranian representatives as part of an Asian nations conference hosted by Qatar. Conversations largely focused on efforts to reduce tensions and avoid any further escalation, the sources noted.

The conflict heightened after Iran launched its largest attack on Israel in retaliation for what it described as Israel's recent operations against senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, as well as its actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Iran stated its assault was complete unless further provoked, while Israel vowed a strong response.

Reports from Axios on Wednesday, citing Israeli officials, suggested that Israel may target oil production sites in Iran as a countermeasure. The urgency for de-escalation dominated the talks, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

Although Iran has not directly threatened Gulf oil facilities, it has warned that any direct intervention by "Israeli supporters" could make their regional interests a target. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states remain cautious, having experienced an attack on Saudi oil facilities in 2019 that briefly halted global oil supply. Iran denied involvement in that incident.

Gulf leaders, through diplomatic channels, are urging Iran to avoid further escalation. Ali Shihabi, a Saudi commentator with ties to the Royal Court, explained that while Gulf states consider an Iranian strike on their oil infrastructure unlikely, Tehran has hinted at this possibility through unofficial sources, using it as leverage against the U.S. and the global economy.

Saudi Arabia has made recent strides in improving relations with Iran, easing some regional tensions, but the overall relationship remains fragile. The Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, has conveyed a unified message to Iran urging restraint and de-escalation.

In Doha, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s readiness to respond decisively if its red lines are crossed, issuing a warning against remaining silent in the face of what he described as Israel’s aggression. He reiterated that any military or terrorist actions targeting Iran would prompt a strong military response.