Saudi foreign minister stresses the need to prevent conflict between Iran and Israel at Davos meeting

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister stated on Tuesday that he does not perceive Donald Trump’s new administration as a factor that would escalate the risk of conflict between Israel and Iran, a concern that has loomed over the region since the onset of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud expressed hope that President Trump’s strategy towards Iran would encourage Tehran to engage constructively with the U.S. and address its nuclear program.

“Clearly, any conflict between Iran and Israel, or any war in our region, is something we must strive to prevent,” Prince Faisal remarked. He emphasized that he does not view the incoming U.S. administration as a contributor to the risk of war, noting that President Trump has explicitly stated his preference for avoiding conflict.

Additionally, Prince Faisal announced plans to visit Lebanon later this week, marking the first visit by a Saudi foreign minister in over ten years. The kingdom had distanced itself from Lebanon for years due to the significant influence of Iran-backed Hezbollah in the country’s affairs.

He acknowledged the recent election of a Lebanese president after a prolonged vacancy as a positive development but stressed that Saudi Arabia requires tangible reforms before increasing its involvement in Lebanon. Earlier this month, the Lebanese parliament elected army chief Joseph Aoun as president, a move that reflects U.S. support and indicates a decline in Hezbollah’s influence following the group’s recent conflict with Israel.