Iran repaid Gulf goodwill with aggression, says researcher

Iranian researcher Wojdan Abdulrahman claims Iran's actions towards the Gulf states have been aggressive and antagonistic, despite the latter's efforts to prevent conflict and maintain stability. In an interview on Al Arabiya FM, Abdulrahman noted that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei recently addressed Gulf states in a manner that appeared to be an attempt to advise the region.

Khamenei's message, Abdulrahman said, suggested that the Supreme Leader was seeking to know what is best for these countries, while rhetorically implying that he would entertain negotiations with those he accuses of being responsible for the assassination of his father, the previous Supreme Leader. The researcher further pointed out that Gulf states are focused on protecting their security, economic interests, and maintaining economic and political ties with the United States.

Abdulrahman argued that if Iran were to establish relations with the Gulf states, it would gain economic opportunities and safeguard its national security. He concluded that while Gulf countries have made significant efforts to reintegrate Iran into international politics, prevent war, and support the Iranian regime, Iran's response has been aggression against these states.