Saudi Arabia predicted a strengthening of the regime in Iran if the United States refuses to strike

Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, in a private conversation during a visit to the United States on January 31, noted that US President Donald Trump's refusal to strike Iran would strengthen the Islamic Republic's forces. This was reported on January 31 by the Axios portal.

Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman told a closed—door briefing in Washington on Friday that if President Trump does not follow through on his threats against Iran, the regime will eventually become stronger.

According to sources, the minister expressed the opinion that Trump will probably be forced to resort to military action after several weeks of threats, but at the same time it will be necessary to try to mitigate the risks of regional escalation.

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On the same day, Fox News reported that the Gulf states were unable to determine Washington's goals and plans for Iran during high-level meetings between Saudi Arabia and the United States.

The New York Times reported on January 30, citing American officials, that Trump had been presented with an expanded list of potential military measures against Iran, including the possibility of raids on Iranian facilities. In addition, the head of the White House is considering the option of launching a series of strikes against targets directly related to the leadership of the Islamic Republic in order to "create chaos in the country and conditions for a change of power."

Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth said on January 29 that Iran still has the opportunity to conclude an agreement with the United States, but for this, Tehran must abandon its pursuit of nuclear capabilities. He also stressed that his department is ready to carry out any order that comes from the American leader.

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