Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reportedly urged U.S. President Donald Trump to continue the war against Iran, arguing it presents a strategic opportunity to reshape the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Mohammed bin Salman, has reportedly urged U.S. President Donald Trump to continue the war against Iran, describing the conflict as a “historic opportunity” to reshape the Middle East.
According to people briefed by American officials, the Saudi crown prince conveyed in recent conversations that the U.S.-Israeli military campaign could eliminate what Riyadh sees as a long-term threat from Tehran’s government.
Prince Mohammed is said to have argued that Iran’s leadership poses a lasting danger to Gulf countries and that the threat can only be removed by dismantling the government.
However, officials in both Washington and Riyadh reportedly fear a prolonged conflict could expose Saudi oil facilities to further Iranian attacks and risk dragging the United States into an extended war.
In public statements, Saudi officials denied pushing for a prolonged conflict, saying the kingdom supports a peaceful resolution. “The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always supported a peaceful resolution to this conflict, even before it began,” the government said, adding that its priority remains defending the country from ongoing attacks on its people and civilian infrastructure.