ALBAWABA- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has privately urged US President Donald Trump to intensify military strikes against Iran, according to a report by The New York Times, even as Riyadh publicly emphasizes de-escalation.
Citing senior White House officials, the report said the crown prince has maintained frequent contact with Trump since the US-Israeli war began on February 28, encouraging sustained military pressure to neutralize Iranian capabilities. The stance echoes that of the late King Abdullah, who once urged Washington to “cut off the head of the snake.”
Saudi Arabia’s position appears to have hardened following Iranian missile and drone attacks earlier this month targeting US assets and Saudi territory. On March 23, three ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh were intercepted by Saudi and US air defences.
Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said trust with Tehran had been “completely shattered,” citing repeated attacks on Gulf states. In response, Riyadh has granted expanded US access to military facilities, including King Fahd Air Force Base, to support operations.
Saudi Arabia already hosts significant foreign military deployments, with the United States maintaining a major presence at Prince Sultan Air Base, alongside smaller European training and advisory missions.
The reported private position aligns with earlier remarks by the crown prince, including a 2019 interview in which he accused Iran of targeting Gulf shipping and warned that Saudi Arabia would not hesitate to confront threats directly.
However, Saudi officials have denied the report, insisting that the kingdom remains committed to regional stability and diplomatic de-escalation. The developments come as back-channel mediation efforts led by Pakistan and other regional actors are expected to lead to preliminary talks in Islamabad, even as fighting continues.
