Iran urges regional nations to expel US forces amid Hormuz crisis

2026-03-15 - 13:42

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi took to social media platform X on Saturday to urge neighboring countries to remove American military forces from their territory, characterizing Washington's regional security framework as fundamentally flawed. "The US security umbrella has proven to be full of holes and inviting rather than deterring trouble," Araghchi wrote, directly challenging the foundation of American military presence in the Gulf region. The Iranian diplomat claimed that Washington is now seeking assistance from other nations to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which a substantial portion of global oil supplies transit. "They are begging others, even China, to help it make Hormuz safe," Araghchi stated, pointing to recent US appeals for international naval contributions as evidence of American vulnerability. He urged regional states to expel "foreign aggressors," asserting that their only genuine concern is Israel. Strait of Hormuz Access Conditionally Open In an interview with American MS Now TV, Araghchi clarified Tehran's position regarding the strategic waterway, stating that the strait "is open" to vessels not affiliated with the United States, Israel, or their allies. "Others are free to pass," he added, suggesting that Iran's closure applies selectively to ships linked to its adversaries. This selective access policy has disrupted global shipping patterns and contributed to rising oil and fertilizer prices since early March. Türkiye continues to monitor the escalating situation closely, as the strait's restricted status affects global energy markets and regional stability. US President Donald Trump responded Saturday by calling on oil-importing nations to assume greater responsibility for securing the passage, with Washington offering assistance. Trump previously indicated that US Navy escorts for tankers could begin "soon." Escalating Conflict Following February Attacks The current crisis traces to February 28, when the United States and Israel launched joint attacks against Iranian territory, killing at least 1,300 people including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has since responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting American military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation. Araghchi's call for regional expulsion of US forces reflects Tehran's strategic objective of reducing American military influence in its neighborhood, even as Washington seeks to build an international coalition to counter Iranian maritime restrictions. The diplomatic exchange underscores the deepening confrontation between Iran and the US-led alliance, with Gulf states caught in the middle of escalating tensions.