Washington, D.C.: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held an urgent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, during which he conveyed a special message from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to U.S. media reports.
Media reports said the primary purpose of the meeting was to deliver the Crown Prince’s message directly to the U.S. leadership amid growing regional tensions in the Middle East.
Earlier, during a separate meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Prince Khalid emphasized that Saudi Arabia seeks to reduce tensions with Iran and supports efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.
According to the reports, the Saudi defense minister said that Iran-backed Iraqi militias had crossed a “red line” by attacking critical infrastructure and energy installations, prompting Saudi Arabia to respond.
He reportedly stressed, however, that Saudi Arabia’s military action in Iraq was not intended to escalate tensions, but rather to demonstrate that the Kingdom is prepared to defend itself against threats.
Prince Khalid also told Vice President Vance that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is advocating for increased pressure and confrontation with Iran, while Saudi Arabia believes de-escalation is the more beneficial course for regional stability.
Citing informed sources, U.S. media reported that the Saudi strikes in Iraq were also intended to send a message to the Houthi movement.
According to the reports, the Saudi defense minister informed the U.S. vice president that Saudi Arabia has the capability to deal with the Houthis on its own and does not currently require direct U.S. military involvement regarding the group.
Prince Khalid also said that talks with the Houthis are continuing, indicating that diplomatic channels remain open alongside Saudi Arabia’s security measures.
The reported meetings come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with regional powers seeking to balance military preparedness and diplomatic engagement to prevent a broader conflict.
Neither the White House nor Saudi authorities had immediately released an official statement providing further details of the discussions at the time of the media reports.
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