Iran has issued a regional appeal calling on Middle Eastern states to expel American military forces. The call attempts to create a regional anti-US coalition during the conflict.
The Coalition Building
Iran is attempting to position itself as the leader of anti-American forces in the region. By calling for collective action against the US military presence, Iran is trying to unite diverse regional actors around opposition to American hegemony.
The appeal has limited practical effect. Regional states like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt are either aligned with the US or neutral. Qatar and Kuwait host US bases. Iraq has significant US military presence. Iran's call for expulsion will likely be ignored.
The Strategic Signal
Even though the appeal is unlikely to succeed, it signals Iran's continued defiance. Iran is refusing to submit. Instead of capitulating to US military power, Iran is attempting to build a counter-coalition.
This posture helps Iran domestically. It allows the Iranian government to claim it's fighting for regional independence, not just national survival. The narrative of resistance can help maintain internal cohesion during the crisis.
The Long-Term Reality
If Iran survives this conflict, the expulsion of American forces from the region is a long-term strategic goal. For now, it's rhetorical. But it articulates what Iran wants from the post-war order.