Amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman arrived in Washington to signal strong support for potential U.S. action against Tehran. During a private briefing, Prince Khalid reportedly told President Donald Trump that a decisive strike against Iran is necessary, warning that inaction could embolden the Iranian government, according to four sources cited by Axios.
U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate
The Trump administration has repeatedly threatened Iran over its nuclear program, deploying a carrier strike group led by USS Abraham Lincoln to the Middle East. While the U.S. is considering possible military options, the visit by the Saudi defense chief signals explicit backing from a key Gulf ally, reinforcing the administration’s pressure on Tehran.
Divergence from Public Saudi Position
Prince Khalid’s remarks contrast sharply with Saudi Arabia’s prior public statements, which cautioned Washington against escalating regional tensions. Three weeks ago, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) had expressed concerns to Trump, leading the U.S. president to temporarily defer potential strikes.
Saudi-Iran Dialogue
Earlier this week, MBS spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pajeshkian over the phone, assuring Tehran that Saudi airspace would not be used for military operations against Iran. Riyadh emphasized its respect for Iranian sovereignty and underscored its support for resolving disputes through dialogue, highlighting the kingdom’s nuanced approach to regional diplomacy despite its private backing for U.S. measures.
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