Iran’s Foreign Minister Demands Clarification on Saudi Crown Prince’s Alleged Urges to Trump
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, on Monday accused some Gulf states hosting US forces of covertly encouraging attacks against Iranians. This statement was a veiled criticism directed at Saudi Arabia amid escalating regional tensions.
Araghchi called for clarification regarding reports that the Saudi crown prince had privately urged then-US President Donald Trump to "continue hitting the Iranians hard" during their regular private conversations. These reports were the second in a week from US media suggesting a discrepancy between the crown prince’s public opposition to US strikes on Iran and his private stance.
"Stances should be promptly clarified," Araghchi stated in a post on X.
He further highlighted the human cost of the conflict, noting that hundreds of civilians had been killed in US-Israeli attacks, including more than 200 children.
Appeal to Gulf Muslim Populations and Defense of Iranian Actions
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council, issued a direct appeal to Muslim populations in the Gulf states. He urged them to reflect on their position in the ongoing war and questioned why no Islamic country had supported the Iranian people.
"Are we being asked to stand idly by while US bases in your countries are being used to attack us? The confrontation today is between America and Israel on the one hand, and the Muslim Iran and the forces of resistance on the other," Larijani said, defending Iran’s attacks on Gulf states.
Escalation of Iranian Attacks Across the Gulf
The warnings coincided with a marked escalation of Iranian attacks on Monday. Iran launched drone strikes targeting Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, marking one of the most comprehensive sets of assaults since the war began.
Additionally, Iran vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed indefinitely to "enemies and those supporting their aggression." This stance comes amid indications that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) is consolidating its control within Iran following the appointment of hardliner Mohsen Rezaee as military adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
Rezaee, who commanded the IRGC for 16 years and played a significant role during the Iran-Iraq war, recently declared there should be no ceasefire until the US withdraws its military bases from the Middle East. His appointment strengthens the IRGC’s influence alongside the recent appointment of Khamenei.
Rising Iranian Casualties and Impact on Tehran
On Monday, the Iranian death toll approached 1,500 as neighborhoods across Tehran endured one of the most intense bombardments since the conflict’s onset. Critical infrastructure, including the electricity grid, was targeted, resulting in temporary power outages in eastern parts of the capital.
Tehran’s mayor, Alireza Zakani, reported that the capital had suffered 13,000 separate attacks, accounting for more than half of all attacks on Iran. Due to the bombardment, parts of the Tehran metro system were suspended.
Meanwhile, censorship within Iran intensified over the past 48 hours. Internet blackouts increased, and newspapers along with Telegram channels became largely inaccessible.
Iran’s Position on Strait of Hormuz Transit and International Relations
At his weekly morning press conference, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that vessels from countries not involved in the war have been permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz with coordination and permission from Iran’s military.
Two Indian-flagged gas tankers bound for Gujarat were allowed passage through the Strait following direct talks between Iran and India. However, no comprehensive agreement has been reached for future transit of Indian ships.
Araghchi described the deal as a one-off, attributing it to his history of engagement with India.
Reports indicate that Iran is seeking access to medicines and the release of three Iranian ships captured by India in exchange for this transit permission.
Iran’s Reaction to US-Led Coalition Efforts and International Dynamics
Iranian officials expressed satisfaction that US President Trump’s call to seven countries, including China, France, and the UK, to join a US-led coalition aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz received a largely negative response.
Iranian officials and media are interpreting any divisions between the US and European nations as evidence that Trump’s unilateral military actions, which were undertaken without prior consultation with any country except Israel, lack international endorsement.
