Bangladesh, March 2 -- A well-known proverb warns that sometimes speaking too much exposes more than silence ever could. That wisdom seems particularly relevant today in light of remarks made by Ali Larijani, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council. His recent statement warning Gulf states that their territories could become targets if used by the United States has unintentionally revealed the widening strategic gulf between Tehran and its regional neighbors.

Instead of projecting deterrence, the message underscored a troubling reality: Iran appears increasingly disconnected from the political and diplomatic landscape of the Gulf. At a moment when de-escalation and mediation were still possible, Tehrans rhetoric – and ...