Reuters: Iran warns Gulf states any new US attack will be answered by strikes on regional energy infrastructure

Reuters reported on Wednesday, 5 August 2026 (14 Mordad 1405), citing five sources familiar with the matter, that Iran has warned Persian Gulf states in recent diplomatic contacts that any new US attack on its territory would be met with retaliation against critical energy infrastructure across the region.

According to the report, the warning followed US President Donald Trump's July 28 threat to target Iran's energy network and infrastructure. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in separate calls with his Saudi, Turkish and Qatari counterparts and with Pakistan's army chief, urged them to use their influence to dissuade Trump from a fresh strike. One Gulf source said Iran's message was explicit: if its infrastructure were targeted, Tehran would retaliate by striking Gulf states' energy facilities, refineries, power grids, water systems and transport networks.

Saudi Arabia's crown prince subsequently spoke with Trump and urged him to delay military action and return to diplomacy. The report came on a day when global oil and gold markets were also reacting to speculation over progress in Iran-Oman talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.