Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has privately urged US President Donald Trump to continue the war against Iran, describing the ongoing conflict as a “historic opportunity” to reshape the Middle East, The New York Times reported, citing people briefed by American officials.
According to the report, in a series of recent conversations, the crown prince pressed Trump to sustain military pressure and push towards dismantling Iran's hard-line government. He argued that Iran represents a long-term threat to Gulf stability that can only be addressed by removing its current leadership, the people familiar with the discussions said.
The report also noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shares the view of Iran as a strategic threat. However, analysts suggest Israel may view a weakened or internally destabilised Iran as a strategic gain, while Saudi Arabia fears that a failed Iranian state could pose a more direct and chaotic security risk.
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Despite these reported private discussions, Saudi officials have publicly denied pushing for a prolonged conflict. “The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always supported a peaceful resolution to this conflict,” the government said in a statement, adding that its “primary concern” remains defending against ongoing Iranian attacks on civilian infrastructure.
The war has already had significant economic and security implications for the region. Iranian missile and drone strikes have disrupted oil markets and threatened critical infrastructure, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for Gulf energy exports.
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While Donald Trump has at times signalled openness to de-escalation, he has also weighed more aggressive options, including potential strikes on Iran's energy facilities and even seizing key hubs such as Kharg Island, according to the NYT report. The crown prince is said to have supported more assertive measures, including the possibility of ground operations.
However, concerns are mounting within both US and Saudi policy circles that a prolonged war could escalate further, exposing Gulf economies to sustained attacks and risking a drawn-out conflict with unpredictable consequences.
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