Saudi Crown Prince Urges Trump to Avoid Escalation Amid Reported Iran Strike Plans

RIYADH/WASHINGTON, Aug 2: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed concern to US President Donald Trump over reported plans for new large-scale US strikes on Iran during a phone call on Saturday, according to an Axios report citing US officials and a source familiar with the conversation.

The call came amid reports that the United States is preparing a major military operation against Iran, following heightened tensions across the region.

According to Axios, the Saudi crown prince sought clarification on the reported military plans and urged Trump to de-escalate the situation rather than proceed with the strikes.

"The Saudis expressed concern and asked for clarity about the plan of action," one US official was quoted as saying. Another source familiar with the call said the crown prince encouraged restraint and called on Washington to avoid further escalation.

The reported conversation followed security alerts issued by US embassies across the Middle East, warning American citizens of possible "unforeseen escalation," one day after Trump warned that Iran could be hit "very hard."

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan that any military action by the United States or Israel would receive a "decisive and proportionate response."

The White House and the Saudi Embassy in Washington declined to comment on the reported call, according to Axios.