Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has threatened Saudi Arabia over its refusal to join US military operations against Iran, questioning whether the United States should continue honoring its long-standing defense agreements with the kingdom.
Graham, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump and a key supporter of the US engagement in Iran, expressed frustration over Riyadh’s inaction even as Americans continue to die in the conflict.
Evacuation of US Embassy in Riyadh
In a post on X, Graham reported that the American embassy in Riyadh was being evacuated following sustained Iranian attacks on Saudi territory.
He criticized the Saudi government for providing only marginal support in the campaign against Iran, stating that the lack of military involvement undermined the US-Saudi partnership.
Shared Interests, Divided Action
Graham emphasized that while both countries ostensibly share an interest in defeating the Iranian regime, Saudi Arabia’s refusal to participate militarily raises questions about the value of ongoing defense commitments.
“Americans are dying and the US is spending billions to dislodge the terrorist Iranian regime,” he wrote. “Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia seems to be issuing statements and doing things in the background that are marginally helpful.”
Implications for US-Saudi Relations
Graham’s remarks suggest growing tension between Washington and Riyadh at a critical juncture in the Middle East.
The senator indicated that continued non-cooperation could force the US to reconsider its defense agreements and strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, potentially reshaping diplomatic and military ties in the region.
Political and Military Context
The warning comes amid escalating US-Iran hostilities, following Trump-era policies that Graham actively supported. It also coincides with calls from other US lawmakers for increased congressional oversight of the war and accountability from Middle Eastern allies.
Next Steps
Observers will be watching how the Trump administration, current US policymakers, and Saudi leaders respond to Graham’s statements.
Decisions on continued military cooperation, embassy security, and regional strategy could have significant consequences for the trajectory of the Iran conflict and broader US interests in the Middle East.
