How much influence does Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) wield over Washington’s strategy in the Iran war? Far more active than is publicly acknowledged, suggest media reports.
According to The New York Times, as the US-Israel war on Iran enters a critical phase, there is enough evidence to suggest that behind the scenes, Riyadh may be trying to redraw the contours of the conflict.
The NYT reported that Mohammed bin Salman has privately urged US President Donald Trump to continue the war against Iran, framing it as a “historic opportunity" to reshape the Middle East.
The report says MBS has argued that Iran remains a long-term threat to Gulf security and the conflict presents a chance to weaken or even replace Iran’s current regime. The crown prince believes the US should consider more aggressive military options, including targeting energy infrastructure and potentially escalating operations.
While Saudi Arabia has publicly denied pushing for escalation, Trump has openly praised MBS, calling him a “warrior" and a key partner.
According to Mint, the influence is not new. Saudi Arabia, along with Israel, had reportedly lobbied Washington even before the war began. The broader US objective, at least rhetorically, has at times included regime change in Tehran, though this has not been formally adopted as official policy.
According to The Indian Express, MBS sees the war not as a short-term military campaign but as a defining strategic moment to reset regional power dynamics.
But why exactly is Saudi Arabia pushing for escalation of hostilities?
The most pertinent reason is that Saudi views Iran as a long-term rival, with the two backing opposing sides in conflicts across the Middle East. For Riyadh, weakening Iran could reduce threats from Iran-backed militias, rebalance power in the Gulf, and reinforce Saudi leadership in the region.
As per the Indian Express, MBS believes the current conflict offers a rare chance to fundamentally alter Iran’s political structure.
Recent Iranian strikes on Gulf targets have also hardened Saudi Arabia’s stance, pushing it closer to active support for US operations, the New York Post reported.
That remains unclear.
A report highlighted by The Times of India notes that MBS has been encouraging Trump to sustain military pressure, raising questions about the extent of Saudi influence.
However, the US still defines its own military objectives and Trump’s goals have shifted during the conflict, from military degradation to potential negotiations.
If Saudi Arabia continues pushing for a harder line, the conflict could expand geographically, draw in more Gulf states, and prolong military engagement. Any Saudi role is also critical because of its position in global energy markets, given that the war has already triggered oil price volatility and fears of supply disruption.
Even as Trump signals possible talks, conflicting pressures, from allies like Saudi Arabia and Israel, could make de-escalation harder.
The emerging picture suggests that Saudi Arabia is not just a bystander but an active strategic player in the Iran conflict. While Washington ultimately calls the shots, multiple reports Times indicates that MBS is trying to shape the direction of the war, potentially pushing it toward a more aggressive, long-term outcome.
Whether that influence translates into policy or triggers a wider regional escalation remains the key question.
Source: News18