Saudi Crown Prince MBS urges Trump to ‘prioritise dialogue’ in US-Iran war

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) spoke with former US President Donald Trump, urging him to prioritize dialogue in de-escalating the crisis between Washington and Tehran. The conversation took place just hours before Trump announced a halt to planned strikes against Iran, citing the emergence of a potential deal.

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stressed the need to prioritise dialogue to reduce escalation and the importance of making every possible effort to achieve calm that paves the way for diplomatic solutions

According to the Saudi Press Agency, MBS stressed the importance of making all possible efforts to achieve calm and pave the way for diplomatic solutions. He also highlighted the critical need to preserve the security and stability of the Gulf region, warning that a wider conflict could have severe repercussions for both regional and international security.

Trump had earlier indicated a readiness for military action, stating the US was "locked and loaded." However, he later announced on social media that he was holding off on new strikes, suggesting that Iran and other Middle Eastern governments had requested a pause and that the "perimeters of a deal has been agreed to." He claimed this deal would involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending Iran's nuclear program, with Israel's participation.

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the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to

Iranian state media, however, dismissed Trump's claims, calling them "nothing but a new lie" and asserting that Iranian forces remained on high alert. A person familiar with MBS's call noted that the Crown Prince's intervention was driven by concerns that a major US strike on Iran's energy infrastructure could provoke retaliation against Gulf oil and gas facilities, a region already experiencing heightened tensions and direct attacks.

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nothing but a new lie