“Regional countries must either prevent the US from using their territory against Iran, or we will have no choice but to do it ourselves,” Larijani said.
When the enemy attacks us from bases in the region, we respond — and we will continue to respond. This is our right and a standing policy. Regional countries must either prevent the US from using their territory against Iran, or we will have no choice but to do it ourselves.
— Ali Larijani Ali Larijani (@alilarijani_ir) March 7, 2026
His remarks carry a defensive tone that sharply differed from Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian’s communication to the region. The President earlier apologised to Gulf states for the retaliatory strikes over the past week that hit targets across the region, and said Tehran would seek to avoid further attacks on neighbouring countries.
This drew sharp criticism from hardliners and commanders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, prompting Pezeshkian to later drop the apology from a subsequent statement.
At the same time, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed that the US shot down gestures to ensure safety of its neighbours.
“President Pezeshkian expressed openness to de-escalation within our region-provided that our neighbors’ airspace, territory, and waters are not used to attack the Iranian People. Gesture to our neighbors was almost immediately killed by President Trump,” Araghchi wrote on X.
However, the Gulf states are beginning to hold Iran accountable for harm inflicted while attacking US bases.
Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia has warned Tehran that it could face retaliation if Iranian attacks on Gulf states continue.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, told Trump that the escalating situation in the region could have serious repercussions for international peace and security and called for diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis, according to Alaraby TV.
Also Read: Iran-Israel War News Live Updates: Iran Guards targets 200 sites, capable of six months of ‘intense war’
First Published: Mar 8, 2026 8:43 AM IS

