Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the recent war has changed thinking about security in the Middle East. In remarks reported on August 19, 2026, he said Gulf countries now understand that relying on foreign military bases cannot ensure their security. He argued that regional security must be collective and regional in nature.

Araghchi said foreign bases had failed to protect their host countries and instead provided security for Israel. He also said the bases had become a source of insecurity. According to the foreign minister, regional stability cannot be achieved without a balance in both economic and security matters.

He claimed that after 40 days of resistance, Iran is viewed not as weak but as a strong and resilient state. Araghchi said Iran's foreign policy would be “completely different” after the war. He also praised President Masoud Pezeshkian, saying his firm stance to prevent a repeat of war played an important role in achieving the Islamabad memorandum of understanding.