Saudi defense minister meets Vance in Washington after joint strikes on Iraq - report

Sources told CNN that Saudi Arabia believes Iran is seeking to generate leverage through regional escalation, with attacks from its proxies expected to continue.

Saudi Minister of Defense Khalid bin Salman attends a meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on February 24, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia.

(photo credit: Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

JULY 29, 2026 23:56

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud held discussions with US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday in Washington regarding the recent joint US-Saudi operations against Iran-backed groups in Iraq, per a CNN report.

Khalid had intended to undertake the short visit the prior week but delayed it, CNN noted based on informed sources.

During the talks, the defense minister conveyed to Vance that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman favors reducing tensions with Iran, according to a source close to the meeting details. This position notably differs from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach to the conflict with Iran.

The developments follow US Central Command (CENTCOM) conducting strikes in Iraq alongside Saudi Arabian forces, aimed at Iran-aligned terrorists directed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to target US personnel and Saudi energy sites, as stated in a CENTCOM post.

US and Saudi aircraft hit several terrorist logistics and weapons locations in eastern Iraq as a firm reply to more than 30 IRGC-orchestrated drone assaults over the preceding 72 hours, CENTCOM added.

Saudis pursue de-escalation while signaling response to kingdom attacks

The sources informed CNN that Saudi Arabia assesses Iran as aiming to create leverage through heightened regional activity, with proxy strikes likely to proceed.

Saudi Arabia emphasized its continued pursuit of de-escalation, the sources noted, while its actions aim to convey that assaults on the kingdom will face consequences.

Esther Davis and Ruby Sadikman contributed to this report.