Gulf states must not allow use of airspace against Iran, says official

Tehran has told Gulf Arab states it would be "unacceptable" if they allowed use of their airspace or military bases against Iran and warned that any such move would draw a response, a senior Iranian official said. The comments come amid growing concern over possible Israeli retaliation for last week's Iranian missile attack, as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi headed to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states for talks on Wednesday. They followed discussions between Iran and Gulf Arab capitals last week on the sidelines of an Asia conference in Qatar, when Gulf states sought to reassure Iran of their neutrality in any conflict between Tehran and Israel. "Iran made it clear that any action by a Persian Gulf country against Tehran, whether through the use of airspace or military bases, will be regarded by Tehran as an action taken by the entire group, and Tehran will respond accordingly," the senior Iranian official told Reuters. "The message emphasised the need for regional unity against Israel and the importance of securing stability," he said."It also made clear that any assistance to Israel, such as allowing the use of a regional country's airspace for actions against Iran, is unacceptable." US President Joe Biden is expected to hold a telephone call on Wednesday with

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