Fearing Israeli Attack, Iranian FM Attempts Support from Arab States

Fearing an imminent Israeli bombardment on its nuclear and energy facilities for its October 7 missile attack, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has concluded a whirlwind tour of its Arab neighbours to pressure the Israelis to sue for peace.

Araqchi’s visit to Riyadh focused on regional security, despite recent improvements in Saudi-Iran relations. After meeting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Araqchi flew to Qatar, where he continued talks on Gaza and Lebanon. “The situation in Gaza and Lebanon is of paramount importance,” Araqchi told reporters, highlighting the urgency of regional discussions.

The minister had also visited Lebanon and Syria.

Israel’s Channel 13 reported that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan helped Israel create a land corridor to bypass the Red Sea, which Yemeni attacks had made impassable. Saudi media has faced criticism for hosting Israeli officials, particularly during conflicts involving Iran or Hezbollah.

Analysts suggest Saudi Arabia’s hesitance to distance itself from Israel stems from earlier near-normalization of relations. West Asia expert Mohammad Reza Moradi told Tehran Times that Riyadh’s alignment with Washington and Israel contrasts with Tehran’s goal of removing foreign forces. Moradi believes Saudi-Israeli relations will change after Israel's fight with the Axis of Resistance, impacting other Arab states.

In Qatar, Araqchi met Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani to discuss ceasefire efforts. Qatar has played a key role in calling for peace in Gaza and Lebanon, while Iran seeks broader Arab pressure on Israel to avoid further escalation.

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned of a “deadly and precise” response to Iran’s missile attack, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has kept close contact with U.S. President Joe Biden on possible retaliatory actions.

“It’s crucial for all states to stop the genocide in Gaza and aggression in Lebanon,” Araqchi said after his meetings.

Araqchi’s visit comes as Israel vows to retaliate for Iran’s missile strike, raising fears of a wider war in the Middle East. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who recently visited Qatar, insisted Tehran does not seek war but warned of a stronger response if Israel retaliates.