Saudi Arabia reportedly changed its stance behind the scenes on the issue of a US attack on Iran

During a private briefing in Washington, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman suggested that if US President Donald Trump does not turn his threats against Iran into reality, the Tehran regime will emerge from the crisis stronger, according to Axios, citing four sources present in the room.

The US is currently significantly strengthening its military presence in the Persian Gulf, although the White House claims that a final decision on an attack has not yet been made.

The Saudi position is all the more interesting given that just three weeks ago, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warned Trump against bombing Iran and the risk of regional war, which was supposed to delay the US attack.

According to sources, Prince Khalid also admitted that after talks at the White House, he does not have a clear idea of the US strategy towards the Iranian regime. One reason for the change in stance may be Riyadh's belief that Trump has already decided to intervene and its desire not to be seen as opposing this move, Axios writes.

(mja)