16.03.2026 07:52
As the war between the US-Israel and Iran continues, the White House confirmed that President Donald Trump has been frequently meeting with Arab leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Officials noted that discussions have included the continuation of strong military pressure against Iran, and this approach recalls the advice given years ago by the late Saudi King Abdullah, who died in 2015, summarized by the words "Cut off the head of the snake."
According to White House officials, Trump is in intense contact with regional allies during the ongoing war with Iran. Discussions with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman particularly focus on the course of the war, Iran's military capacity, and regional security issues.
Various officials reported that the Crown Prince advised the Washington administration that military pressure against Iran should be maintained. This approach is said to remind of the words "Cut off the head of the snake," frequently expressed by the late Saudi King Abdullah to the U.S. administration regarding Iran.
THE WAR HAS SPREAD TO SAUDI ARABIA
The war between Iran and the U.S.-Israel quickly turned into a regional crisis following the attacks that began on February 28. Saudi Arabia was among the countries targeted in Iran's retaliatory attacks. It was reported that drones and cruise missiles belonging to Iran were directed at Riyadh and some oil facilities in the eastern part of the country, while Saudi air defense systems intercepted many attacks.
As a result of the attacks, some energy facilities were damaged, several civilians lost their lives, and some military points, which also included U.S. soldiers, were targeted.
SAUDI ARABIA: WE WILL DEFEND OURSELVES
The Riyadh administration stated that it holds Tehran responsible for Iran's attacks in the region and declared that the country has the right to defend itself. Saudi Arabia emphasized that Iran's attacks targeting airports and energy infrastructure threaten regional security.
On the other hand, it was noted that Saudi Arabia has not officially taken a direct attack role in the war, but has announced that it is increasing defense measures to protect its airspace and energy infrastructure.
OIL AND HORMUZ CONCERNS
One of the biggest impacts of the war is also felt in energy markets. Due to Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz and the attacks in the region, oil prices have rapidly increased, while Saudi oil giant Aramco warned that there could be "disastrous consequences" for the global energy market.
Experts assess that the close coordination between Washington and Riyadh is one of the important factors that could determine the course of the war.