Washington: At a recent investment forum backed by Saudi Arabia, US President Donald Trump created an awkward moment for Saudi officials when he appeared to mock Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his address.

Speaking before an audience of business leaders and political figures, Trump suggested that officials should tell the Crown Prince to “be nice” to him, before making a crude remark implying that the Saudi leader had underestimated his presidency.

“He did not think this was going to happen. He didn't think he would be kissing my a**… he thought I would be just another American president of a country going downhill. But now he has to be nice to me,” Trump said, comments which have since gone viral on social media.

More conciliatory tone follows

Later in his speech, Trump struck a more measured tone, describing Mohammed bin Salman as “smart” and a “regular kind of a guy.” He also suggested that international perceptions of the United States had improved significantly under his leadership.

“But you know he (Crown Prince Salman) is a smart, a very regular kind of a guy. He said a year ago, you were a dead country and now you are literally the hottest country anywhere in the world. And that was before we beat the hell out of Iran,” Trump said.

Forum promotes investment in Saudi Arabia

The forum where Trump spoke is organised by a group affiliated with Saudi Arabia’s $1 trillion Public Investment Fund. Its stated aim is to promote investment opportunities in the kingdom and attract international business leaders and political figures.

Trump claims progress against Iran

Trump also addressed the ongoing conflict with Iran, stating that the US is close to “finally freeing the Middle East from the terrorist regime of Iran.” His remarks followed the extension of a deadline for talks with Tehran and the postponement of planned strikes on Iranian power infrastructure until April 6.

“We’re closer than ever to the rise of the Middle East that is finally free, at last, from Iranian terror aggression and nuclear blackmail,” he said, according to Bloomberg. “For 47 years, Iran has been known as the bully of the Middle East, but they are not the bully any longer. They’re on the run.”

Citing protection of Gulf allies

Trump added that US actions have not only protected Israel but also other nations in the Middle East.

“We saved not just Israel, we saved the Middle East and it was proven by all those rockets that fired down upon you. Saudi Arabia got hit a lot,” he said, referring to retaliatory drone and missile strikes from Iran against Gulf allies.

Saudi Arabia’s strategic position under scrutiny

The crude remarks about Crown Prince Salman came shortly after a report by the New York Times suggested that Saudi Arabia has been in constant contact with the United States, urging continued strikes on Iran and describing the conflict as a “historic opportunity” to reshape the region.

At the same time, the conflict with Iran has left Saudi Arabia in a vulnerable position. Gulf nations, including the kingdom, have faced retaliatory threats from Tehran, with Iranian strikes reportedly targeting key energy infrastructure, including the Ras Tanura refinery and the Shaybah oil field, which produces around one million barrels of crude per day.

With agency inputs