BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 9, Former US Ambassador to Tunisia Joey Hood says diplomacy between the United States and Iran has effectively reached its limit as regional tensions continue to escalate.
Hood said Iran's recent attacks on commercial shipping appear to be directed not only at the United States but also at Gulf countries.
He noted that at least two reported incidents involved Qatari-linked vessels or ships carrying Qatari crude oil and liquefied natural gas.
According to Hood, US military facilities in the Gulf are primarily used for training and exercises, with relatively limited American personnel and equipment stationed there.
He argued that Iran's actions are intended to send a message to Gulf states—particularly those acting as mediators—that they should align with Tehran's position in the conflict.
