Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a telephone conversation with President Trump on Saturday to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East. According to reports from Axios, the Crown Prince expressed significant concern regarding potential U.S. plans to launch large-scale military strikes against Iranian energy targets. These potential strikes are being considered by the Trump administration as a direct response to a recent Iranian missile attack on a U.S. base in Jordan, as well as persistent interference with commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

While President Trump is reportedly weighing these military options, he has not yet issued final orders for an attack. The potential for such an escalation is high, as an strike on Iranian energy infrastructure would mark a significant shift in the five-month-long conflict. The Saudi government’s intervention suggests a desire to avoid a broader regional war that could destabilize energy markets and regional security. The report notes that the information regarding the call was provided by two U.S. officials and a third source familiar with the conversation. As of now, the White House has not provided an official statement confirming the specific details of the private diplomatic exchange.