Saudi crown prince urges Trump to avoid escalating Iran conflict

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged US President Donald Trump not to escalate the conflict with Iran during a phone conversation yesterday (1 August), as Trump considers launching new military strikes against Tehran, according to a person familiar with the discussion.

The call, first reported by media, came amid growing concerns in Riyadh that US attacks on Iran's energy facilities or other critical infrastructure could trigger retaliatory strikes against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states' energy assets. The source, who was not authorised to speak publicly, said the crown prince sought clarification from Trump about the military options under consideration.

A White House official confirmed the leaders spoke but declined to disclose details of the conversation.

Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia joined the United States in strikes targeting logistics and weapons facilities used by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, while continuing to advocate renewed US-Iran negotiations to end the five-month conflict. The crown prince also sent Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman to Washington for separate meetings with Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Iran strategy.

Trump has vowed retaliation after Iran's failed attack on a US base in Jordan. The State Department on Saturday issued security alerts for Americans in 10 Middle Eastern countries, warning of possible flight disruptions and heightened regional risks as tensions continue to rise.