U.S. Leak Reveals Bin Salman’s Role in Pushing Toward a Military Confrontation with Iran

NYN | Reports and Analyses 

American media outlets revealed on Saturday a highly sensitive leak detailing behind-the-scenes discussions that brought together Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman and officials in the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. According to what was published, these talks included direct incitement to launch a military strike against Iran.

Direct Incitement and Warnings of “Iran’s Growing Power”

According to the U.S. website Axios, Khalid bin Salman warned that Washington’s failure to carry out its threats against Tehran would result in the Iranian regime emerging stronger and more influential. This rhetoric was viewed as an explicit push toward the option of military escalation rather than a diplomatic track.

Duality in Saudi Positions

This leak comes at a time when Riyadh had displayed—at the level of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—a completely different stance. During a previous call with the Iranian president, he pledged to work to prevent any military aggression and to push toward diplomatic solutions, a move observers described as reflecting political duality and maneuvering in Saudi discourse.

An American Attempt to Draw Riyadh into Escalation

Analysts believe the leak may be part of American efforts to draw Saudi Arabia into a path of broad regional escalation, despite Saudi concerns over the consequences of any comprehensive confrontation, particularly for U.S. military bases deployed on Saudi territory.

Air Defense Deal to Reassure Riyadh

In this context, observers noted that Washington’s announcement of its intention to sell an advanced air-defense system to Riyadh, valued at up to $9 billion, may fall within attempts to reassure Saudi Arabia and ease its concerns over the repercussions of any potential military escalation in the region.