Iran defends strikes on Gulf neighbors but they say trust is broken
Foreign workers look at a tall plume of black smoke ascends following an explosion in the Fujairah industrial zone on March 3, 2026.
Fadel Senna | Afp | Getty Images
Iran has defended its strikes against its Gulf neighbors, telling CNBC that U.S. military assets located in surrounding territories were “legitimate” targets in its fight back against America and Israel.
But Gulf states told CNBC that the attacks have created a “huge trust gap” that will last for years to come.
Iran’s decision to attack its neighbors as part of its retaliation against U.S.-Israeli strikes has confused analysts and Tehran itself has sent mixed messages over its strategy, apologising for strikes against neighbors including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, before carrying out yet more strikes.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson in Tehran told CNBC on Monday that the Islamic Republic felt “no hostility” toward Gulf countries, but that U.S. military assets in the region were legitimate targets.
“We have said many times that we feel no hostility toward any country in the region, toward the UAE, Bahrain, you name it,” said Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The only thing we are doing is defending ourselves against the aggressors. Did we start this war? Or this war was imposed on Iran for no reason?” he told CNBC’s Dan Murphy.
Baghaei said Iran had aimed attacks “against military bases and assets” belonging to the U.S. in the region and said this was “legitimate under international law” as Tehran was “defending” itself under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
“All military bases, installations and assets that in any form or manner are being used to help the aggressors are regarded as legitimate targets … We had warned often that if they start war against Iran, that war would not be limited only to Iran. That was not a threat. That was because of the realities in our region. The military bases of the United States are scattered around us,” Baghaei said.
Empty apology?
Despite Iran’s insistence that it has only targeted military assets in the surrounding region, its attacks have targeted critical energy infrastructure, particularly oil facilities, as well as military bases, in neighboring countries.
Iranian drones and debris from strikes have also hit civilian infrastructure across the Gulf, including airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as hotels and residential buildings. Intercepted drones and missiles have also caused injury to civilians and soldiers, and several fatalities.
A view of damage after an Iranian drone struck several buildings in Manama, Bahrain on March 1, 2026.
Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images
Analysts say this strategy has aimed to create maximum discomfort for Iran’s immediate neighbors, as well as showing that Tehran can shake the global economy and disrupt oil markets.
It has also been seen as an attempt to make the affected Gulf states — anxious to protect their diversifying economies…
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