TEHRAN: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on Saudi Arabia to remove U.S. military forces from its territory, saying the time has come for regional independence from foreign presence.
In a statement posted on X, Araghchi emphasized that Iran views Saudi Arabia as a “brotherly nation” and insisted that Tehran’s military actions are directed solely at hostile forces. “Our operations target aggressors who bring neither security nor respect to the region,” he said, adding that it is “high time” Riyadh ejects U.S. troops.
The remarks came as tensions surged across the Gulf, with Iran launching a fresh wave of missile attacks targeting locations it claims are being used to support U.S. operations.
In Dubai, four people were injured after debris from intercepted missiles fell in populated areas, while authorities reported a fire on an oil tanker at a port in Kuwait City following another strike.
Meanwhile, Saudi officials confirmed that eight ballistic missiles were successfully intercepted over their territory.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iran must agree to a deal to end the conflict, including reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz, or face devastating attacks on its key infrastructure, including energy facilities.
However, reports suggest Washington may be open to ending hostilities even if the vital shipping lane remains partially restricted—potentially increasing Tehran’s leverage over global oil routes.
In a defiant move, an Iranian parliamentary committee has approved plans to impose tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz and to ban ships linked to the United States and Israel entirely.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the proposal, warning it could set a dangerous global precedent by allowing countries to claim control over international waterways.
