Lindsey Graham threatens Saudi Arabia if it refuses to join US-Israel war on Iran

Senator Lindsey Graham has warned Saudi Arabia that it cannot sit on the sidelines of the US-Israel war on Iran and expect Washington's support in the future.

The Republican politician claimed on Monday that Riyadh has a duty to help its ally, Washington, in its attempt at regime change in Tehran following Israel and the US's surprise 28 February assault on Iran.

Saudi Arabia has come under attack from Iranian missiles and drones, including a strike on the US embassy that caused damage to the building and led Washington to issue warnings to citizens in the kingdom.

So far, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have refrained from retaliating against Iran, despite downing hundreds of Iranian drones and rocket attacks, and instead sought an end to the crisis.

"The American Embassy is being evacuated in Riyadh because of sustained attacks by Iran against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is my understanding the Kingdom refuses to use their capable military as a part of an effort to end the barbaric and terrorist Iranian regime who has terrorized the region and killed 7 Americans," he wrote on X.

"Question – why should America do a defense agreement with a country like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that is unwilling to join a fight of mutual interest?"

This was likely referring to the 2025 strategic defense agreement, a massive arms deal between Saudi Arabia and the US, which effectively reaffirmed Washington's commitment to Riyadh's security.

Despite this, Graham went on to attack Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries for their perceived lack of support for the US campaign against Iran.

"Americans are dying and the U.S. is spending billions to dislodge the terrorist Iranian regime that threatens the region. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia seems to be issuing statements and doing things in the background that are marginally helpful, but unwilling to participate in military operations to end the reign of terror coming out of Iran," he said.

"Hopefully Gulf Cooperation Council countries will get more involved as this fight is in their backyard. If you are not willing to use your military now, when are you willing to use it? Hopefully this changes soon. If not, consequences will follow."

There has been anger among some in the Gulf not only at the shock US-Israeli war on Iran, leading to Tehran launching missile strikes on neighbouring countries, but also a lack of perceived defensive support from Washington.

Gulf states have been affected by the war, with reduced oil and gas exports.

Graham is perceived as a hawk on Iran with a neoconservative outlook at world affairs, with an up and down relationship with the kingdom.

He has met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, and recently described himself as a the "greatest champion" of Saudi Arabia.