Saudi Crown Prince Urged Trump to Intensify Strikes on Iran, New York Times Reports
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to intensify strikes against Iran amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, according to a New York Times report citing unnamed U.S. officials.
The crown prince has been in regular contact with Trump during the conflict, the report said, advising stronger military action. The message echoes previous Saudi advice, including a phrase from the late King Abdullah -- "cut off the head of the snake" -- revealed in 2010 WikiLeaks diplomatic cables. Those cables showed several Gulf leaders encouraging the United States to take stronger action against Iran's nuclear program.
The report comes as tensions escalate in the region, with mutual strikes reported between Iran, Israel and the United States on military and strategic targets. In response to earlier U.S. and Israeli attacks, Iran has launched missile and drone strikes against several targets, including near the U.S. embassy area in Riyadh.
Saudi officials have not publicly commented on the reported contacts or the urging for stronger action.
Gulf states have long viewed Iran's regional influence and nuclear ambitions as major security concerns, which has shaped their diplomatic and security ties with Washington. The latest report underscores the complex regional dynamics and the involvement of Gulf powers in influencing the conflict's direction.
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