Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on Saudi Arabia on Monday to remove US forces from its territory, emphasizing that Iran’s attacks in the region are directed only at its enemies.
Araghchi wrote on X that Iran respects Saudi Arabia as a “brotherly nation” and that its military actions target aggressors who show no respect for Arabs or Iranians and cannot ensure security. He referenced the recent damage to enemy aerial command systems as evidence and stressed it is time to expel US forces.
Earlier, an Iranian missile strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia destroyed an E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, valued at roughly $300 million, marking its first known combat loss. Several other military jets were damaged. The plane, used for detecting distant threats and directing combat aircraft, was rendered unflyable, with photos showing its tail completely severed. While the US can replace such planes, the loss is a significant operational setback.
Separately, Dubai authorities reported that a tanker fire caused by a drone attack was extinguished by maritime firefighting teams. All 24 crew members are safe, and officials continue to assess the situation.
The attacks initially pushed Brent crude futures up more than 2% to $115.17 per barrel, before easing after reports that US President Donald Trump is open to ending the conflict even if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Brent crude is on track for a record monthly gain of about 59% in March, driven by rising Middle East tensions.
Trump has threatened further strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. He stated that the US is in “serious discussions” with Iran to end hostilities, but warned that failing a deal could lead to destruction of Iran’s electric plants, oil wells, and possibly desalination facilities.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain have indicated privately that they do not want the military operation to end until there are major changes in Iran’s leadership or behavior. While Gulf states generally support current US efforts, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are advocating for increased military pressure on Tehran.
On Monday, leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan met in Jeddah to discuss regional tensions and strategies to avoid further escalation.
