MBS Urges Trump: Why Does Saudi Arabia Want the US-Iran War to Continue?
A major question now hangs over the Middle Eastern skies: War or Peace? After US President Donald Trump signalled talks with Iran to halt hostilities on Monday (23/3), the world briefly breathed a sigh of relief. However, behind closed doors, the US’s main ally in the region, Saudi Arabia, is reportedly taking a very different position.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is reported to have urged Trump not to stop the attacks. For MBS, the current situation is a historic opportunity to permanently alter the power map in West Asia (Middle East).
According to a New York Times report, in a phone conversation last week, MBS emphasised to Trump that Iran poses a long-term existential threat to Gulf countries. He argued that this threat can only be eliminated by toppling the hardline regime in Tehran.
Military analysts see Riyadh’s concerns as highly justified. If the US withdraws from the conflict on day 26, Iran is predicted to feel emboldened, risking more destructive retaliatory attacks on Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure in the future.
This rivalry is not merely a matter of modern politics but is rooted in decades of historical and religious competition. As the leader of Sunni power, Saudi Arabia views Iran’s Shiite theocratic revolution since 1979 as a direct challenge to its influence in the Muslim world.
Although the Saudi government officially states support for a peaceful solution and focus on self-defence against daily Iranian attacks, the rhetoric behind the scenes shows deep distrust. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that the remaining trust has been completely shattered.
The economy is a determining factor. Iran currently only allows non-US ally ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This chokes the revenues of Gulf countries like the UAE and Kuwait. Although Saudi Arabia is developing alternative pipeline routes, their capacity is considered insufficient to replace the main sea route.
Now, the hot potato is in Donald Trump’s hands. Will he choose the path of de-escalation for his campaign promise to end the war, or follow the urgings of his closest Gulf ally for a ground assault (boots on the ground) to seize Iran’s energy infrastructure?
One thing is certain: long-term stability in the Middle East remains on a knife’s edge, regardless of how this conflict formally ends.
Saudi Crown Prince MBS is reported to have lobbied Donald Trump to continue the war and overthrow the Iranian regime amid the escalating 2026 Middle East conflict.
The Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh announced it would not hold congregational Eid prayers for 1447 H/2026 AD due to the conflict situation in the Middle East region.