💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conveyed serious reservations to President Donald Trump during a Saturday phone conversation about potential U.S. military escalation against Iran, according to sources briefed on the discussion. The call, initially reported by Axios, took place as the Trump administration deliberates whether to authorize additional military strikes targeting Iranian assets.
The Saudi leadership expressed particular alarm that aggressive American action against Iran’s energy sector or critical infrastructure could trigger retaliatory strikes against Saudi Arabian and other Gulf nations’ petroleum and power facilities, according to individuals with knowledge of the conversation. During the call, the crown prince sought detailed information from Trump regarding which Iranian targets the administration was considering attacking, the sources indicated.
Saudi Arabia participated earlier in the week alongside the United States in strikes against logistics and weapons facilities operated by Iranian-backed militias throughout Iraq. However, the kingdom has simultaneously lobbied both Washington and Tehran to resume diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving the five-month-old regional conflict.
Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, the crown prince’s brother, traveled to Washington earlier this week to meet separately with Trump and Vice President JD Vance to discuss coordinated Iran policy. The White House declined immediate comment regarding Saturday’s call between the two leaders.
More Stories
Trump’s Repeating Pattern of Iran Threats Followed by Last-Minute Retreats
Michigan Democrats Make Final Push in Senate Primary Race Between El-Sayed and Stevens
Maryland to Debate Constitutional Amendment Allowing Partisan Redistricting for 2028