During his official visit to Islamabad, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for the establishment of a new regional security framework in the Middle East and the Gulf region based on mutual respect, cooperation, and dialogue. He emphasized that the region’s future should be determined by its member nations rather than by foreign powers. This comes at a time when the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the US and Iran last week. With Iran gaining strategic leverage, it appears to have emerged more resilient and influential than it was before the outbreak of the conflict.

The conflict between the US and Iran has exposed the limits of military coercion and security guarantees. Neither extensive bombing nor external dependence can ensure long-term peace and stability. Only resilience and self- sufficiency can do that. Gulf states have realized this since the US was unable to defend them against Iranian attacks. They are now diversifying their security partnerships rather than relying solely on Washington. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain are investing in their self-defense and strategic autonomy. The Saudi-Iran rapprochement has paved the way for regional diplomacy and a coordination mechanism. Gulf countries want peace and stability in the region to safeguard their investments, infrastructure, energy exports, and freedom of navigation in........

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