Washington (HRNW)- Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held an emergency meeting with US President Donald Trump, during which he conveyed a special message from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
According to US media reports, the meeting took place as tensions continue to increase between Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other regional countries.
Reports said Prince Khalid bin Salman also met earlier with US Vice President JD Vance, where he emphasized that Saudi Arabia prefers normalization of the regional situation and a diplomatic solution rather than further escalation.
According to the Saudi Defense Minister, Iran-backed Iraqi militias crossed a critical line by allegedly attacking Saudi infrastructure and energy facilities, prompting Saudi Arabia to respond. He said the objective of the operation in Iraq was not to expand the conflict but to demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s ability to defend its sovereignty and national security.
According to US media, Prince Khalid bin Salman told Vice President JD Vance that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu favors stronger measures and increased pressure against Iran, whereas Saudi Arabia believes negotiations and de-escalation offer a more effective path toward regional stability.
Sources also quoted the Saudi Defense Minister as saying that one purpose of the operations in Iraq was to send a clear message to the Houthi movement in Yemen that Saudi Arabia is prepared to take all necessary measures to safeguard its security.
He added that there is currently no need for direct US military intervention against the Houthis, as Saudi Arabia is capable of managing the situation independently.
According to reports, Saudi Arabia is also maintaining dialogue with the Houthi group in an effort to prevent further escalation and promote a political solution to the conflict.
Political observers say the high-level meeting in Washington is significant in light of the current regional security environment, evolving US policy toward Iran, and Saudi Arabia’s growing diplomatic role in efforts to reduce tensions.
Support independent journalism and human rights reporting by making a donation: http://www.hrnww.com/?page_id=1083
