NYT Report Alleges Saudi Crown Prince Urged Trump to Seize Iran’s Energy Facilities
A recent report by The New York Times, cited by Al-Mayadeen, has unveiled claims of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) allegedly pressuring then-President Donald Trump to adopt a highly confrontational stance towards Iran. The report details phone calls where the Saudi Crown Prince reportedly advocated for significant military action, including the seizure of Iranian energy assets.
Alleged Calls for Escalation
According to sources familiar with the discussions and quoted by The New York Times, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman perceived a “historic opportunity” to reshape the regional landscape. He allegedly asserted that Iran posed a threat to the Persian Gulf that could only be neutralized through a change in its governance. These alleged conversations suggest a persistent effort by MbS to persuade Trump to escalate measures concerning Iran.
Concerns Over Potential Conflict
The report also highlights concerns among both Saudi and American officials regarding the potential ramifications of continued conflict. There were anxieties that an ongoing confrontation could provoke devastating retaliatory attacks by Iran on Saudi oil facilities. Furthermore, officials reportedly feared that Washington could become entangled in a protracted and open-ended conflict.
A Bold Proposal Allegedly Pitched to Trump
Despite moments when Trump reportedly appeared inclined to de-escalate, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman allegedly argued against such a move, characterizing it as a mistake. The New York Times report claims that MbS specifically urged Trump to dispatch forces to Iran, ostensibly to secure its energy installations and compel a change in governance.
The Saudi Crown Prince also reportedly expressed apprehension that a withdrawal by Trump at that juncture would leave Saudi Arabia and the broader region facing an “angry Iran.”
To date, Saudi officials have not issued a public response to The New York Times report concerning these alleged interactions.
