Saudi crown prince discusses Iran tensions with Trump

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has spoken by phone with US President Donald Trump to discuss rising tensions over Iran, expressing concern over reports of a possible large-scale US attack on the country, Anadolu Agency reported.

According to two US officials and another source familiar with the matter, the conversation came after Iran threatened a major attack and the United States warned its citizens in several Middle Eastern countries to be prepared to leave if the security situation deteriorates.

A US official said Saudi Arabia sought clarification on Washington’s plans, while another source said the crown prince urged Trump to avoid military action and help keep the situation calm.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate phone calls with the foreign ministers of Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, warning that any aggression by the United States and Israel would receive a “specific and appropriate” response.

The White House and the Saudi Embassy in Washington declined to comment on the reported phone call.

The report also said US embassies in Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have issued security alerts, warning American citizens of a possible escalation in regional tensions.

The warnings followed Trump’s remarks that the US would strike Iran “very hard” if efforts to reach a deal with Tehran fail.