Iran warned that Gulf countries would no longer protect US military bases in the region if tensions increase.
A statement shared on Tuesday through the telegram channel linked to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said the United States would no longer have a safe position in the Middle East during any future conflict.
Hajj message: Leader invites Muslim nations to shape new regional order, says US era is overhttps://t.co/W31MiZwHg8
— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) May 26, 2026
At the same time, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had the right to respond to any violations of the ceasefire with the US. Iranian state media reported that the IRGC claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 drone. It also said an American RQ-4 drone and an F-35 fighter jet entered Iranian airspace before leaving the area.
Qatar also rejected reports that it offered Iran $12 billion to help secure a deal with the United States. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari called the reports false and said some groups were spreading misinformation to damage diplomatic efforts and regional stability.
🔴 IRGC announced in a statement that the US military, continuing its interventionist adventures and aggressive behavior, violated Iranian airspace in the Persian Gulf region. pic.twitter.com/1Qgugijt4S
— Press TV Breaking (@PTVBreaking1) May 26, 2026
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations with Iran could still take several days. He confirmed that recent US strikes in southern Iran were defensive actions meant to protect American forces.
Rubio added that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open because it is important for global trade and energy supplies.
Iran and the US are currently holding talks in Doha with help from Qatar and Oman. Discussions are focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and limiting Iran’s nuclear activities. Iran has denied trying to build nuclear weapons.
The conflict has already affected global oil markets. Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains much lower than normal, while fuel and food prices have increased in many countries.
