Saudi Arabia Denies Lobbying Trump for Iran Strikes, Reaffirms Diplomatic Stance
Saudi Arabia has categorically denied allegations that it lobbied former US President Donald Trump to carry out military strikes against Iran, dismissing recent media reports as entirely false. The Saudi Gazette reported on Monday that the kingdom's embassy in Washington issued a strong statement refuting these claims.
Official Statement from Saudi Embassy
Fahad Nazer, spokesperson for the Saudi Embassy in Washington, emphasized that the kingdom has consistently supported diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a credible agreement with Tehran. In a statement posted on social media, Nazer stated, "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been consistent in supporting diplomatic efforts to reach a credible deal with Iran. At no point in all our communication with the Trump administration did we lobby the president to adopt a different policy."
Response to Washington Post Report
Nazer's comments came in direct response to a report by The Washington Post, which cited four anonymous sources familiar with the matter. The report alleged that President Trump authorized strikes on Iran following weeks of lobbying by both Israel and Saudi Arabia. According to the publication, US intelligence assessments found no imminent threat from Iran, but regional allies were said to have advocated for military action.
Saudi Arabia's Long-Standing Position
Saudi Arabia reiterated its long-standing position in favor of dialogue and diplomatic solutions to regional tensions, firmly rejecting claims that it encouraged a shift toward direct military confrontation. The kingdom has repeatedly called for de-escalation and a political resolution to disputes involving Iran, emphasizing the critical importance of regional stability and security.
The Saudi government has consistently maintained that diplomatic channels are the preferred method for addressing conflicts, and this latest statement reinforces that commitment. The denial comes amid ongoing regional tensions and highlights Saudi Arabia's official stance against military escalation with Iran.
