'Return to your senses': Gulf states close ranks against Iran as regional strikes escalate tensions

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have sharply intensified their criticism of Iran, as Gulf nations weigh coordinated steps to counter what they described as "treacherous" and "heinous" attacks by Tehran across the region.

Foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council convened an emergency meeting on Sunday to assess damage caused by Iranian strikes stretching from the UAE to Bahrain, Qatar and Oman, according to a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency. The bloc said members were considering “necessary measures” to restore regional stability.

In a strongly worded declaration, GCC states affirmed their right to respond in self-defence "individually or collectively," warning they would take all steps needed to safeguard their territory, citizens and residents — including retaliatory action.

Iran's widening retaliation

The statement follows a cascade of regional reactions suggesting Tehran’s diplomatic isolation is deepening as it broadens its retaliation against U.S. and Israeli bombardment by targeting neighbouring countries.


The UAE urged Tehran to "return to your senses," while Riyadh summoned Iran’s envoy to protest what it called violations of sovereignty. Explosions and air-raid sirens were reported across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, as well as parts of Bahrain, marking the third day of a rapidly widening Middle East conflict.

Iran’s strike on Oman — a key mediator in recent nuclear diplomacy involving United States officials — underscored the geographic breadth of its response.

GCC ministers also urged the United Nations to take a firm stance against further violations and called on the international community to condemn Tehran’s actions.

Uneven impact across Gulf economies

Iranian missile and drone attacks have hit Emirati territory repeatedly since Saturday. Most projectiles were intercepted, but officials reported casualties and warned the strikes risk undermining the country’s reputation as a stable global hub for finance, logistics and tourism.

In contrast, Saudi authorities said only a handful of attempted attacks had been detected. Commercial flights continued to operate, schools reopened Monday, and markets prepared to trade after a sharp sell-off the previous day, while financial centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi remained closed.

Conflict shows no sign of easing

The regional crisis has intensified following confirmation that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a strike. Tehran has vowed harsher retaliation, while U.S. President Donald Trump told The New York Times he expects military operations against Iran to continue for several weeks.

Sunni-majority Gulf monarchies have long had strained ties with Shia-majority Iran. In recent years, however, countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE had cautiously pursued détente and supported diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington — efforts now overshadowed by the most serious regional escalation in years.