The historical record clearly demonstrates the hostile neighborly conduct – driven by expansionist ambitions – that has long troubled the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. This behavior extends far back before 1979. As previously observed, Persian political strategy is frequently characterized by dissimulation (‘taqiyya’) and duplicity. It is therefore utterly baffling to witness the Iranian leaders proposing dialogue with Arab Gulf states, while pursuing aggression. Genuine dialogue does not happen under the threat of expansionism, terrorism and attempts to ‘export a sectarian revolution’.
A peaceful neighborhood depends on principles that Tehran has repeatedly ignored, consistently allowing its actions to contradict its rhetoric. Ultimately, these overtures for dialogue serve as a deceptive facade intended to mislead observers. Throughout 47 years of diplomatic efforts, the GCC nations have been trying to foster constructive relations with their neighbors in the Gulf, only to be repeatedly confronted by Tehran’s deceptive rhetoric and empty promises.
Whenever the time comes to transform these words into concrete action, the Iranian leaders offer nothing but delay and avoidance. A stark illustration of this pattern occurred recently, following proposals for direct talks between the Gulf and Iranian representatives. Right before the scheduled meetings, Tehran activated its proxy forces in Yemen to strike Saudi Arabia, deliberately opening a fresh conflict zone to coerce and blackmail neighboring states.
Through this aggressive maneuver, the Iranian regime sabotaged a vital opportunity to break the diplomatic stalemate— an error in judgment that will eventually inflict severe long-term costs on the regime itself. An ancient proverb warns, “A smile may grace the lips while the heart harbors deceit.” Unintended slips of the tongue usually expose the hidden real motives. A close examination of the coverage, commentary and social media discourse by the Iranian state media and affiliated outlets revealed that Tehran’s talk of diplomatic engagement consists of ‘test balloons’ rather than an authentic commitment to work towards peace. The regime remains incapable of adopting a stable and coherent policy.
Furthermore, the coordinated escalation on active fronts in Iraq and Yemen -- executed at Tehran’s direct instruction -- underscores this ongoing duplicity. The simultaneous activation of fronts in Iraq and Yemen, as reflected in the recent Revolutionary Guard statement regarding conditions for opening the Strait of Hormuz, proves that Iran has no intention to stabilize the situation. Instead, it persistently seeks to destabilize regional security, hoping to improve its leverage in negotiations with the United States.
True intentions were laid bare regarding the memorandum of understanding with the US as the regime continued to bombard Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states --whether directly or indirectly -- to improve its negotiating position. Publicly, it sought to wriggle out of the agreement, because the deal hindered its real scheme -- to weaken Gulf states in order to achieve hegemony, a foolish midsummer night’s dream. A popular proverb states, “Hearing about ‘Mu’aydi’ is better than seeing him.” This applies to the current regime, which beats the drums of war against the US and Israel, yet lacks the strength to strike them. Instead, it fires at neighbors who—from the very spark of the current conflict—declared neutrality and did not allow US forces to use their territory.
Rather than confronting its declared enemy, it chose the path of aggression against its neighbors; thus, it is the impotent ‘Mu’aydi’ whose reputation far exceeds the reality. The time has come for the Iranian people to break free from this vicious cycle. They have immense potential and energy, yet have been under the pressure of repression since 1979. Salvation is in their hands, not only for themselves but also for the entire region. They must liberate it from a regime that still dwells in the caves of the Middle Ages.
