President Donald Trump is receiving conflicting advice from two key regional allies on how to handle Iran, with Saudi Arabia urging restraint and de-escalation while Israel pushes for a tougher stance.
During a phone call, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed concern to Trump about the US plans for new strikes against Iran, according to people familiar with the conversation as reported by Axios.
The conflicting counsel comes as regional tensions rise. Attacks on commercial shipping and drone strikes in Kuwait have added to instability. Trump has grown frustrated over stalled diplomatic efforts and Iran's refusal to meet US demands.
Saudi Arabia appears to be warning that a broader confrontation could spin out of control, while Israel is calling for a harder line against Tehran. The mixed messages complicate Trump's exit strategy from the Iran crisis.