MBS Calls on Trump to "Keep Hitting" Iran

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman has privately encouraged US President Donald Trump to continue military strikes against Iran, advising him to “keep hitting the Iranians hard,” according to a report published Sunday by the New York Times.

White House officials cited in the report said the Saudi leader has been pressing Washington to maintain strong military pressure as the war with Iran enters its third week. The message echoes a stance previously associated with Saudi Arabia’s late King Abdullah, who famously urged the United States to “cut off the head of the snake” in reference to Iran’s leadership.

Bin Salman’s reported advice comes as the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to reshape the strategic landscape of the Middle East, raising concerns among Gulf states about both the immediate security threat and the longer-term consequences of the war.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates appear to be coordinating their positions. On Monday, bin Salman held talks with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed as the Gulf region weighs how openly to confront Tehran.

According to regional reports, the leaders discussed what they described as Iran’s “unjust attacks” on Gulf Cooperation Council countries, warning that the strikes represent a dangerous escalation threatening regional stability.

Despite the strong rhetoric, Gulf states have so far avoided publicly joining military operations against Iran.

Over the past two weeks, Iran has launched more than 2,000 missiles and drones toward targets in Gulf countries, according to regional officials. Yet none of those governments has carried out a publicly acknowledged retaliatory strike against Iranian territory.

Officials from Gulf states speaking privately to regional media said the hesitation stems partly from concerns about what could follow an open confrontation with Tehran. Leaders in the region are reportedly wary of triggering an even broader escalation, including expanded Iranian missile and drone attacks against critical infrastructure or population centers.

Another concern is the uncertainty surrounding the post-war regional order. Gulf governments appear reluctant to take actions that could deepen the conflict or complicate the balance of power once the fighting eventually subsides.

As a result, Gulf states are currently pursuing a cautious strategy: supporting efforts to contain Iranian influence while avoiding direct entry into the war. Behind closed doors, however, bin Salman’s message to Washington suggests that at least some regional leaders believe sustained military pressure on Tehran remains the most effective way to weaken the Iranian regime.