Saudi Arabian Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with US President Donald Trump and other officials at the White House on Thursday to discuss regional security and de-escalation efforts with Iran, Fox News reported. Bin Salman is the younger brother of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
After meeting with Trump, Bin Salman spoke by phone with Iran’s top military officer, Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi. “We discussed developments in the region and the efforts being made to maintain security and stability,” Bin Salman said.
Bin Salman also held talks with White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to Fox News. Earlier, Trump told reporters that Iran wants to engage in dialogue with the United States, adding, “It is time that they do.”
“I know they want to meet, and if it is necessary, I will do it,” Trump said, stressing the US does not seek harm for Iran.
The meeting came just days ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to Washington for talks with Trump on Monday.
The visit marks Netanyahu’s third White House meeting since Trump returned to office in January. It follows US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and a ceasefire that Trump brokered between Iran and Israel.
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