politics
March 16, 2026
Gulf states may be covertly encouraging attacks by US, Iran foreign minister says
Abbas Araghchi demands clarification on reports Saudi crown prince urged Donald Trump to ‘hit the Iranians hard’
TL;DR
- Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, accused Gulf states hosting US forces of potentially encouraging attacks on Iranians.
- Araghchi demanded clarification on reports that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman privately urged President Trump to 'hit the Iranians hard'.
- Iran escalated its attacks with drone strikes in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
- Iran vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed indefinitely to its 'enemies'.
- The Iranian death toll is nearing 1,500, with Tehran experiencing intense bombardments and infrastructure damage.
- Censorship and internet blackouts have intensified within Iran.
- Iran allowed Indian-flagged gas tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after direct talks.
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