Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Donald Trump held a telephone call on Friday to discuss regional security, maritime navigation, and ongoing US-Iran contacts, as diplomatic coordination between Riyadh and Washington intensified following a fresh escalation in Gulf tensions.
Key Topics Discussed
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation and ways to strengthen ties across various sectors. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including discussions between Washington and Tehran. The crown prince and Trump stressed the importance of safeguarding maritime navigation, protecting international sea lanes, and supporting efforts aimed at enhancing regional security and stability.
Separate Diplomatic Contacts
Separately, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the call, the two reaffirmed the importance of continued coordination and consultations to promote security and stability across the region, SPA reported.
Background of Escalation
The calls came after a fresh escalation between the United States and Iran that threatened to undermine recent diplomatic efforts to end months of hostilities. The latest crisis erupted after Iranian forces attacked commercial oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz despite a ceasefire agreement, prompting US airstrikes on targets inside Iran. Tehran later retaliated with missile and drone attacks against US allies in the Gulf, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
International Responses
The renewed violence has intensified international calls for Washington and Tehran to return to negotiations. Egypt and Qatar have urged both sides to resume dialogue and implement the memorandum of understanding reached earlier this year as the basis for a broader settlement. Pakistan has appealed for restraint and offered to continue mediating between the two countries.
US Position on Talks
Trump said on Friday that the United States had agreed to continue talks with Iran, although he declared that the ceasefire was effectively over following the latest exchange of attacks.
Saudi Arabia's Stance
Saudi Arabia has consistently called for restraint, dialogue, and diplomatic solutions to preserve regional stability and ensure the security of international shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy transit corridors.
