Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman raised concerns with US President Donald Trump over a possible escalation of the conflict with Iran as the American leader considers fresh strikes, according to a person familiar with their discussion.
The two leaders spoke by phone on Saturday, in a conversation first reported by Axios.
The Saudis are concerned that US strikes on Iran’s energy facilities or large-scale attacks on other critical infrastructure could prompt Tehran to retaliate against energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, according to the person, who was briefed on the call but was not authorised to speak publicly.
During the conversation, the Crown Prince also sought clarity from Trump on the potential action the US President was considering against Iran, the person said.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the call.
Saudi Arabia, earlier this week, joined the US in striking several logistics and weapons sites used by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. At the same time, Riyadh has been pressing Washington and Tehran to return to negotiations to find a way to end the five-month-old conflict.
The Crown Prince also sent his brother, Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, to Washington earlier this week for separate meetings with Trump and Vice President JD Vance to discuss strategy on Iran.
