Saudi Arabia advocates diplomacy over confrontation in talks with US

Washington (Web Desk): Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a key meeting with the US Vice President in Washington, where the two sides discussed the evolving security situation in the Middle East, Saudi-Iran relations and growing regional tensions, according to media reports.

During the meeting, the Saudi defence minister reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to promoting peace and stability across the region, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the preferred path for resolving disputes and preventing further escalation.

According to US news website Axios, Prince Khalid bin Salman also delivered a special message from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the US Vice President, outlining Riyadh's position on the ongoing tensions involving Iran and emphasizing the Kingdom's approach to regional security.

The report said the Saudi minister conveyed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu favours increasing pressure and confrontation with Iran, while Saudi Arabia believes that further escalation would undermine regional stability.

He emphasized that Riyadh supports efforts aimed at reducing tensions and resolving disputes through diplomatic engagement rather than military confrontation.

Sources familiar with the discussions said both leaders also exchanged views on the broader geopolitical situation in the Middle East, ongoing security challenges and the prospects for diplomatic initiatives to prevent further instability in the region.

The meeting reflects continued consultations between Saudi Arabia and the United States on regional security issues as both countries seek to coordinate their positions on developments affecting the Middle East and explore avenues for maintaining peace and stability.