Saudi Reportedly Pressures US to Implement Ceasefire in Lebanon

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, RIYADH – Saudi Arabia is reportedly pushing the US to prioritise securing a ceasefire in Lebanon to sustain negotiations with Iran. This indicates the kingdom is shifting towards mediation efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Middle East Eye reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pressed US President Donald Trump on the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon during a private phone call on Wednesday, according to Arab and Western officials. Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire on Thursday afternoon, which some officials link to the kingdom’s lobbying. It remains unclear whether Israel will adhere to the agreement and how much pressure Trump will exert on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has criticised the Lebanese government for engaging in direct talks with Israel. “Mohammed bin Salman wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened, and he told Trump that a ceasefire in Lebanon is crucial to achieving that goal and ending the war,” a Western official familiar with the conversation between the two leaders told MEE. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is likely to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio next week, US and Arab officials told MEE. He may be joined by Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, the crown prince’s brother and close adviser, they added. Saudi officials have also circulated negotiation documents, a Western and Arab official told MEE. Trump stated last week that Netanyahu agreed to “reduce” fighting in Lebanon, following Iran’s complaints about ongoing Israeli attacks, but an official ceasefire is likely to have broader implications. Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and a leading negotiator have urged a ceasefire in Lebanon to enable meaningful talks with the US. A two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, announced by Pakistan, explicitly stated that it covers the Mediterranean country, but Israel has continued to strike Lebanon.