Could Saudi crown prince’s discussion with Trump change the course of the Middle East war? Reports

Jeddah: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reportedly urged US President Donald Trump to continue military operations against Iran, calling the current conflict a “historic opportunity” to reshape the Middle East.

As the war in the Middle East enters its fourth week, reports indicate that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has urged US President Donald Trump to maintain military pressure on Iran. According to The New York Times, the crown prince described the ongoing US-Israel campaign as a “historic opportunity” to address long-term threats posed by Tehran to Gulf nations. He suggested that the Iranian government must be weakened to ensure regional stability.

Regional stakes and differing concerns

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also considers Iran a long-term threat, analysts note that Saudi Arabia’s concerns focus specifically on the risks of a destabilised or failed Iranian state. Iranian retaliation, through missile and drone strikes, has already disrupted oil markets and targeted civilian infrastructure, emphasising the immediate security stakes for the kingdom.

Economic and strategic implications

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies, has been significantly affected by the conflict, impacting exports from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. Prolonged hostilities could jeopardise Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic reforms, deter investment, and strain financial resources, while also heightening vulnerability to regional instability.

Official stance and public messaging

Despite the reports, Saudi Arabia has publicly denied advocating for an extended war. The government stressed its commitment to a peaceful resolution and emphasised its primary concern is defending civilians and infrastructure from ongoing attacks, noting that Iran’s actions have worsened regional tensions.

US response and diplomatic complexity

President Trump has alternated between suggesting potential de-escalation and hinting at further action, recently stating that conversations regarding a “complete and total resolution” had been productive. Prince Mohammed reportedly supports more aggressive measures, including targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure and considering potential ground operations. Analysts caution that while strategic gains are possible, Saudi Arabia remains exposed to retaliation and must balance military objectives with economic and political stability.