Saudi Crown Prince Voices Concern to Trump Over Planned Massive Iran Strike

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed serious concerns to U.S. President Donald Trump about his plan for a large-scale military strike against Iran during a conversation on Saturday, according to two senior American officials and another source familiar with the details. The Crown Prince sought clarification on the operational plan and urged Trump to avoid escalating tensions in the region.

President Trump is reportedly considering authorizing attacks on Iranian energy targets in the coming days but has not yet given a final order. Such a strike risks triggering unprecedented escalation and broadening the regional conflict. Iran has threatened retaliatory strikes against energy facilities and infrastructure in Israel and Gulf countries.

The Saudi Crown Prince's concerns were conveyed amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. On Wednesday, Trump met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, who relayed messages from Mohammed bin Salman supporting calming the situation despite recent joint U.S.-Saudi strikes on pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. Other regional countries including Qatar, the UAE, Turkey, and Pakistan have also urged restraint.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with Pakistan’s military commander and foreign ministers of Turkey and Saudi Arabia to discuss the possibility of U.S. attacks. He warned that any hostile action by the U.S., Israel, or regional partners would be met with a decisive and proportionate response by Iran’s powerful armed forces.

Qatari mediators conducted separate discussions with Iranian officials, the White House envoy Steve Witkoff, and Omani leaders to negotiate reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz. While progress was reported, it remains uncertain if it will be sufficient to ease the crisis. Both the White House and Saudi embassy in Washington declined to comment on the matter.