Iran FM Araghchi urges Saudi Arabia to expel US forces: 'High time to eject US forces'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted directly on X on March 30 urging Saudi Arabia to evict US military forces from its territory. 'Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly nation,' he wrote. 'Our operations are aimed at enemy aggressors who have no respect for Arabs or Iranians, nor can provide any security… High time to eject US forces.' The statement attempts to drive a wedge between Saudi Arabia and the US-led military coalition by framing Iran's attacks on Saudi territory as targeting American forces rather than Saudi interests. Saudi Arabia hosts thousands of US troops at multiple bases including Prince Sultan Air Base. Iran has repeatedly fired ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia during the conflict. The FM's direct appeal to Saudi Arabia to expel American forces comes on the same day as Zelensky announced security deals with the Gulf states, and as Iran continues striking Gulf infrastructure including the UAE's Thuraya telecom building in Sharjah.