Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has privately urged President Donald Trump to press ahead with military action against Iran, portraying the conflict as a strategic opening to alter the balance of power in the Middle East, according to a report published by The New York Times.

Citing sources familiar with high-level discussions, the report said the Saudi leader recently communicated to American officials that the campaign should continue until Iran’s hard-line regime is brought down. He reportedly maintained that Iran represents an enduring danger to Gulf nations that cannot be neutralized without removing its current leadership.

The report indicated that Saudi Arabia’s stance does not fully align with Israel’s outlook. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also sees Iran as a major threat, some observers believe Israel may consider a significantly weakened Iran—mired in internal turmoil—as an acceptable outcome. Saudi officials, however, are said to view such instability as a direct and ongoing security risk.

Saudi Arabia has publicly rejected claims that it is pushing for an extended conflict. In an official statement, the kingdom said it favors a diplomatic solution and is maintaining close coordination with Washington. It stressed that its immediate priority is protecting civilians and infrastructure from continued attacks.

At the same time, officials in both Washington and Riyadh are increasingly concerned that a drawn-out war could lead to further Iranian strikes on critical energy facilities and pull the United States into a prolonged military engagement. Iranian retaliation has already shaken oil markets and contributed to regional instability.

President Trump’s public messaging has varied, at times pointing to possible de-escalation while also leaving the door open for expanded military action. He recently said there had been “productive conversations” aimed at ending the conflict, although Iranian officials denied that any such talks were underway.

According to The New York Times report, the crown prince has also discussed the option of striking Iran’s energy infrastructure and has voiced support for broader military steps. These conversations reportedly included potential operations targeting major oil installations.

The stakes for Saudi Arabia are considerable, both economically and from a security standpoint. Iranian actions have affected key maritime corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments. Even alternative export paths have come under threat.

Officials and analysts cited in the report said Saudi leaders fear that ending the war without substantially weakening Iran would leave the region exposed to further attacks. At the same time, they recognize that a prolonged conflict could damage the kingdom’s economy and hinder its long-term development plans.

In a separate report last week, Reuters said Gulf Arab countries have cautioned against any outcome that would allow Iran to retain the ability to threaten energy infrastructure. Sources told Reuters that Iran’s recent actions have underscored its capacity to strike critical facilities and disrupt shipping lanes.

Reuters also reported that the United States has been urging regional allies to publicly back the joint US-Israeli campaign, as President Trump seeks wider support for the operation. Gulf officials expressed growing concern about Iran’s missile and drone capabilities and the potential consequences for oil exports and broader economic stability.

According to those sources, Gulf leaders are balancing the risks of escalation against the dangers of leaving Iran with significant military strength. While coordination among regional countries remains limited, there is increasing focus on strengthening defensive cooperation.

{Matzav.com}