The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure Saudi Arabia’s support for a potential military strike against Iran, amid escalating regional tensions. As part of this initiative, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is currently on an official visit to Washington.
Diplomatic sources in the Middle East indicate that Gulf states are keen to avoid another round of regional conflict and are instead prioritising diplomatic engagement to ease tensions. Washington, however, is reportedly pressing Riyadh to endorse a military option, underscoring the urgency it attaches to confronting Iran.
According to informed sources, U.S. officials are attempting to persuade the Saudi defense minister that limited, targeted strikes on key Iranian assets would significantly weaken Tehran’s ballistic missile capabilities and its extensive network of regional proxy forces. From Washington’s perspective, such a move would ultimately enhance Saudi Arabia’s long-term security.
In return for Saudi backing, the Trump administration is said to be offering Riyadh a series of long-term defence and security assurances, further strengthening bilateral military cooperation. Despite this, Saudi Arabia—alongside regional actors such as Oman, Qatar and Turkey—continues to advocate dialogue over confrontation, favouring diplomatic channels to defuse the crisis.
Analysts note that Saudi Arabia now finds itself navigating a delicate strategic balancing act. On one hand lies its longstanding strategic alliance with the United States; on the other, the imperative of preserving the relatively stable relationship it has rebuilt with Iran in recent years.
The memory of the 2019 attack on Saudi Arabia’s Aramco oil facilities remains a stark reminder of the risks involved. Analysts warn that any renewed military action against Iran could provoke retaliatory strikes by Tehran or its allied Houthi forces in Yemen, potentially targeting Saudi territory once again. Such a scenario could deal a serious blow to the kingdom’s economic ambitions and deter foreign investment at a critical time.
Source: Middle East Eye.