Saudi prince urges Trump not to halt war with Iran - NYT

What the prince told Trump

Over the past week, Prince Mohammed has been telling the US president that Iran is a long-term threat to the region, which can only be eliminated by changing the government in Tehran.

Furthermore, he advocated for deploying ground troops to Iran and seizing Kharg Island, a key oil hub in the country. When Trump hinted at ending the war, the prince argued that this would be a mistake.

Saudi Arabia denies claims

The official Riyadh government rejects reports that the prince is pushing for escalation.

"The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always supported a peaceful resolution to this conflict, even before it began," the government said in a statement.

Why it matters to the Saudis and how it could end

Iranian strikes have already hit an oil refinery and the US embassy in Saudi territory. The Strait of Hormuz, through which most of the region’s oil exports pass, is effectively blocked.

Analysts say Prince Mohammed fears that if Trump backs down now, Saudi Arabia will be left alone against a furious and undefeated Iran.

"Saudi officials certainly want the war to end, but how it ends matters," Yasmine Farouk from the International Crisis Group told the outlet.

So far, more than 20 countries have expressed readiness to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. They have also called for a comprehensive moratorium on attacks against civilian infrastructure.

Media reports indicate that the US has set a date for ending the war with Iran. Negotiations to end hostilities are expected to take place this week in Pakistan.