'Foreign forces must leave': Iran says regional countries can ensure their own security

What Happened

On August 8, 2026, Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, posted on X calling for all foreign forces to leave the Middle East. He stated their presence is the “main factor of insecurity” in the region. Velayati praised the “steadfastness of the Iranian people” and the “axis of resistance,” and claimed that the “defeat of America” and Israel had reinforced the case for withdrawal. He urged regional countries to cooperate more closely to ensure their own security.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The statement echoes Iran’s long-standing position that U.S. and Israeli military presence destabilizes the Middle East, and signals Tehran’s continued effort to promote a regional security order led by local states—a vision that challenges Western and Israeli influence. It comes amid ongoing proxy conflicts and diplomatic maneuvering, potentially aimed at courting Gulf Arab states.

Watch For

Monitor responses from Gulf Cooperation Council states to Velayati’s call for cooperation. Watch for any formal Iranian diplomatic follow-up, as well as reactions from the U.S. or Israel, especially in light of the claim of their 'defeat.' Also note any adjustments in U.S. force posture in the region or statements from axis of resistance groups aligning with this message.