Iran Warns Neighbours: “Don’t Let Enemies Wage War From Your Land” as Regional Strikes Escalate

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian renewed a strong appeal to neighbouring countries on Saturday, urging them not to allow forces Tehran describes as its "enemies" to operate against Iran from bases on their soil. The message — posted on X — targeted states that host United States military facilities and comes amid a month of tit-for-tat strikes and claims from across the region.

What Pezeshkian Said

Pezeshkian wrote that "we have said many times that Iran doesn't carry out preemptive attacks, but we will retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centres are targeted." He added: "To the countries of the region: If you want development and security, don't let our enemies run the war from your lands."

Regional Incidents and Claims

The president's post follows a series of attacks and counterclaims across the Gulf and nearby states. On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also urged neighbouring countries to distance themselves from the United States.

Authorities and state media in several countries reported recent incidents:

• Kuwait: Multiple drones struck the international airport early on Saturday, damaging the radar system. Officials said there were no casualties; Kuwait's Civil Aviation Authority and state news agency Kuna later attributed the strike to Iran, allied proxy groups and armed factions supported by Tehran.
• Abu Dhabi (UAE): Debris from strikes fell near the Khalifa Economic Zone and Khalifa Port, injuring six people and damaging facilities. Three fires sparked by falling debris were brought under control, authorities reported.
• Dubai (UAE): Iran's military claimed it struck a Ukrainian anti-drone system depot in Dubai that it said was assisting US forces; Ukraine's Foreign Ministry denied the claim.
• Oman: Two drones hit the port of Salalah in Dhofar province, injuring one person and slightly damaging a crane. Danish shipping company Maersk suspended Salalah operations for 48 hours. Iranian officials also claimed a US military support vessel was targeted off Salalah.
• Bahrain: Alarm sirens sounded several times to warn of incoming strikes; authorities urged people to seek shelter and reported no casualties.
• Saudi Arabia: The Defence Ministry said its air defences intercepted a ballistic missile and multiple drones, shooting them down. Details were limited.
• Prince Sultan Air Base (Saudi Arabia): News reports said at least 15 US service members were wounded after an attack that reportedly involved missiles and drones; several were described as in serious condition. These casualty figures and attributions are based on media and official statements and have not been independently verified.

Note on Claims: Many incidents are the subject of competing claims. Iranian authorities have made several attributions that other governments deny. Independent verification of some strikes and their perpetrators is limited amid the ongoing escalation.

The situation remains fluid. Tehran's public warnings to neighbouring states underscore how the confrontation risks drawing additional countries into wider disruption of regional security and commerce.