Reports say Prince Khalid bin Salman discussed regional tensions with US officials, stressing Saudi Arabia’s preference for de-escalation with Iran while reaffirming the Kingdom’s readiness to defend its interests.
WASHINGTON, United States — WEB DESK: Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman reportedly held an urgent meeting with US President Donald Trump, delivering what US media described as a special message from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
According to US media reports, the meeting focused on regional security developments and Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
De-escalation With Iran
Earlier, during a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, Prince Khalid said Saudi Arabia favors reducing tensions with Iran and believes diplomacy remains the preferred path to regional stability.
According to the reports, the Saudi defence minister said recent attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi militias on infrastructure and energy facilities had crossed a “red line,” prompting Riyadh to respond.
However, he stressed that Saudi Arabia’s actions in Iraq were intended to demonstrate its ability to defend itself rather than to escalate the conflict.
Concerns Over Regional Escalation
US media, citing informed sources, reported that Prince Khalid told Vice President Vance that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was advocating a tougher approach toward Iran, while Saudi Arabia continued to support efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions.
The reports also said Saudi officials viewed de-escalation as the most beneficial course for regional stability.
Message on the Houthis
According to the reports, Prince Khalid said Saudi military actions in Iraq also served as a message to the Houthi movement.
He reportedly told US officials that Saudi Arabia possesses the capability to deal with the Houthis independently and that US military intervention was not currently necessary.
The Saudi defence minister also said negotiations with the Houthis remain ongoing, according to the media reports.
Neither the White House nor the Saudi Ministry of Defence had publicly released detailed readouts confirming the substance of the reported discussions at the time of publication.
