Saudi Arabia fears consequences if strike on Iran doesnt jappen

Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud believes that the U.S. rejection of a strike on Iran will strengthen its leadership, Axios reported citing sources.

"At this point, if this doesn't happen, it will only embolden the regime," Khalid bin Salman Al Saud said.

According to the sources, the Saudi minister outlined this position at a closed briefing in Washington with the participation of the heads of local think tanks. The day before, he held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, special envoy of the U.S. leader Steve Witkoff and Joint Chiefs chair General Dan Caine.

According to Axios, the Saudi minister said that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump will have to take military measures, while trying to avoid escalation. Axios emphasizes that such statements are at odds with the official position of Riyadh.