Regional states reject use of their territory against Iran as Tehran steps up diplomatic push

Iran intensified diplomatic outreach across the region as several neighboring and regional countries publicly rejected any use of their territory or airspace for military action against Iran, amid escalating threats from the United States.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held a series of phone calls late Wednesday and Thursday with his counterparts in Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Oman and Turkey to discuss the latest regional and international developments.

The talks came as tensions rose following increasingly bellicose statements by US President Donald Trump directed at Iran.

According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Araghchi underlined the sensitivity of the current situation and explained the Islamic Republic’s positions regarding recent developments.

The foreign ministers stressed the need for “responsible management” of tensions and warned about the consequences of further escalation for regional security and stability.

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In a separate call, Araghchi spoke with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, with both sides reaffirming their shared determination to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation.

During the conversation, Araghchi outlined regional developments and warned about threats stemming from destabilizing US interference and the expansionist policies of the Israeli regime.

He stressed the shared responsibility of regional countries to counter threats to peace and stability and to prevent any third party from exploiting their territory to endanger the region.

Bayramov, for his part, offered a clear assurance. Azerbaijan will never allow its airspace or territory to be used by any state to carry out military operations against neighboring Iran, he said, according to Anadolu Agency.

According to a statement from Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, Bayramov described the recent escalation of tensions as a cause for concern and urged all parties to avoid actions and rhetoric that could destabilize Iran and the wider region. He emphasized that disputes must be resolved exclusively through dialogue and diplomatic means, in line with international law.

‘No two-hour war’: Iran vows immediate retaliation to any US or Israeli aggression

Iran’s Army has issued a stark warning that any new act of aggression against Iran will be met with an immediate and decisive response.

Similar positions were echoed in the Persian Gulf countries. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates, described the regional situation as “concerning” and said Persian Gulf states were working to avoid confrontation.

Speaking Thursday at the UAE–Kuwait Media Forum, Gargash said differences in viewpoints were natural but warned that “excessive hostility is not natural.”

Gargash said the escalation surrounding Iran was not unexpected, noting that warning signs had been visible earlier. He stressed that the interests of the UAE and other Persian Gulf countries lie in “staying away from any confrontation.”

He added that Iran is a neighboring country and that Persian Gulf states have collectively declared they will not allow their land, airports or facilities to be used to target Iran.

The diplomatic messages come as regional capitals react to a sharp rise in threatening language from Washington. On January 27, US President Donald Trump told reporters that “another beautiful armada” of warships was floating toward Iran.

In subsequent remarks and online posts, Trump said the deployment was meant to pressure Tehran into negotiations, while warning that failure to reach a deal would trigger a military strike “far worse” than the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.

Iran has repeatedly rejected threats and coercion, insisting that diplomacy cannot succeed under pressure or intimidation, noting that it is ready for talks if they are fair and based on mutual respect.

Meanwhile, it has warned that any military attack by the US or its allies against Iranian interests will be met with a swift and decisive response. 

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