Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman has privately warned that if Donald Trump does not follow through on his repeated threats of military action against Iran, the Islamic Republic will emerge politically and strategically stronger, according to multiple sources briefed on the discussions in Washington.
The remarks, delivered during closed-door briefings on Friday, represent a notable shift from Riyadh’s recent public posture, which has emphasized restraint, de-escalation, and diplomacy. Just weeks ago, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urged President Trump to avoid military confrontation, warning that a strike could ignite a wider regional war — concerns that contributed to Washington delaying any immediate action.
Behind Closed Doors in Washington
Prince Khalid bin Salman, commonly known as KBS and regarded as the crown prince’s closest confidant, was in Washington for high-level consultations as tensions with Tehran escalated. During his visit, he met senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine.
According to officials familiar with the meetings, discussions focused heavily on the possibility of a U.S. military strike against Iran, even as the White House publicly insists that no final decision has been made and that diplomacy remains an option.
Saudi Public Caution vs. Private Alarm
Publicly, Saudi Arabia has taken a careful and measured stance. Riyadh has reiterated its respect for Iran’s sovereignty and emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently told Iran’s president that Saudi Arabia would not allow its airspace to be used for any U.S. attack.
Privately, however, Prince Khalid struck a more urgent tone. In an hour-long briefing with Middle East experts and representatives from several Jewish organizations, he reportedly argued that backing away after weeks of threats would embolden Tehran.
“At this point, if this doesn’t happen, it will only embolden the regime,” KBS said, according to participants in the room.
Sources said Prince Khalid conveyed similar concerns during his White House meetings, while also admitting that he left Washington without a clear understanding of the Trump administration’s long-term strategy on Iran.
A Strategic Dilemma for the Region
U.S. officials acknowledge that there are currently no serious direct negotiations with Tehran, and Iranian leaders appear uninterested in accepting Washington’s maximalist terms. Meanwhile, the U.S. has ordered a significant military buildup in the Gulf, raising the stakes across the region.
A Gulf official summed up the dilemma bluntly: a U.S. strike risks dangerous regional escalation, but restraint could leave Iran stronger and more defiant.
No Saudi Pivot on Israel
Addressing speculation, Prince Khalid reportedly rejected claims that Saudi Arabia is drifting away from Israel or aligning more closely with Islamist movements. He also dismissed concerns about rising anti-Israel sentiment in Saudi media, though some attendees remained unconvinced.
What This Means
The apparent shift in Saudi private messaging underscores the growing anxiety among U.S. allies that prolonged indecision could reshape the regional balance of power in Iran’s favor. As Washington weighs its next move, Riyadh appears caught between public calls for diplomacy and private fears that inaction may carry its own long-term risks.
Discover more from Defence Talks | Defense News Hub, Military Updates, Security Insights
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
