Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Mohammed bin Salman, has been encouraging President Trump to maintain the military campaign against Iran. According to individuals briefed by American officials, the prince views the current U.S.-Israeli operations as a historic opportunity to fundamentally reshape the Middle East.
In several conversations over the past week, the prince conveyed to the American president the importance of pressing toward the removal of the hard-line government in Tehran. He argued that Iran represents a long-term threat to the Gulf region that can only be resolved through a change in leadership.
While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel also considers Iran a long-term threat, analysts note a difference in strategic outlook. Israeli officials might find a failed, internally chaotic Iranian state acceptable, but Riyadh views a failed state on its doorstep as a direct and grave security risk.
Economic risks and energy security
The conflict has already brought significant consequences for the Saudi economy and national security. Retaliatory drone and missile strikes from Iran have caused major disruptions in the global oil market. Senior officials in both Riyadh and Washington are concerned that a prolonged war could lead to more damaging attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Despite these private discussions, the Saudi government issued a statement maintaining its support for a peaceful resolution. Officials emphasized that their primary concern remains defending the kingdom from daily attacks on civilian infrastructure. They accused Iran of choosing dangerous brinkmanship over diplomacy.
The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz remains a central concern. With the waterway largely choked off due to the conflict, the majority of oil from the region is struggling to reach international markets. Although alternative pipelines exist, these routes have also been targeted.
Visions for a reshaped region
Trump has occasionally signaled an interest in winding down the war, but the Saudi leader has reportedly argued that doing so would be a mistake. He has instead pressed for strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure to weaken the administration in Tehran.
Reports suggest that the American president has given serious consideration to military operations aimed at seizing Kharg Island, a critical hub for Iranian oil. The Saudi leadership has allegedly advocated for ground operations to secure such infrastructure and force a change in government.
This push comes as the kingdom faces its own internal pressures. The success of the prince’s plan to transform Saudi Arabia into a global business hub by 2030 relies on a secure environment for investors. A half-finished offensive that leaves an emboldened Iran capable of future attacks could put these long-term economic ambitions at risk.
