Iran Says Forces Ordered Not to Strike Neighboring States as Gulf Tensions Rise
Mar 7th 2026
Iran’s president announced orders preventing strikes on neighboring states amid recent naval confrontations and a US attack that sank an Iranian ship, while markets, Gulf diplomacy and US politics react to the risk of wider war.
- Iran’s president said Iran’s forces have been told not to attack nearby countries amid a surge in regional clashes.
- The announcement follows maritime incidents including a US torpedo attack that sank an Iranian vessel, raising fears of wider escalation.
- Traders warn that sustained conflict could push oil toward or above $100 a barrel, amplifying global economic risk.
- Saudi Arabia has stepped up engagement with Iran in efforts to defuse the conflict, according to regional reporting.
- The military strikes and their economic fallout have become a political vulnerability for US Republicans ahead of midterm elections.