Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly contacted President Donald Trump on Saturday to express concerns about plans for further U.S. airstrikes on Iran, urging deescalation. The call came as the White House signaled that Trump was considering new strikes to pressure Tehran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz and abiding by a collapsed truce agreement.
Two U.S. officials and a third source told Axios that the Saudi leader specifically asked Trump not to carry out the proposed strikes. A U.S. official confirmed that the Saudis sought clarity on the planned course of action. The White House has indicated frustration with Iran's actions, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that Tehran had broken a memorandum of understanding on a truce, engaged in attacks on commercial ships, and caused American casualties. "President Trump is not going to stand by and allow this terrorist behavior to occur," Leavitt said, adding that "Iran will continue to pay until they come to the table in, what President Trump deems, a meaningful way."
Reports from The Wall Street Journal suggested Trump had approved strikes that could begin over the weekend, though Axios indicated final orders had not been given. CBS News cited sources suggesting a joint U.S. and Israeli operation targeting Iran's energy infrastructure, aimed at crippling the regime's capabilities. This would mark Israel's return to military action after pausing under the U.S.-brokered truce. However, an Israeli official stated they were unaware of any decision to restart full military operations or any request to join such action.
Meanwhile, a senior Iranian security official vowed that Tehran possesses the "capacity and the will" for retaliation, claiming "extensive response plans" are prepared, including strikes on "the vital infrastructure of the Zionist regime and US energy infrastructure in the region."
Earlier in the week, Iran had fired drones at Kuwait, a country hosting U.S. forces, and claimed to have targeted oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwait's Defense Ministry confirmed intercepting drones within its airspace, reporting material damage but no casualties. Iranian state media asserted that drones targeted an air base in Kuwait in retaliation for U.S. strikes.
Amid the heightened tensions, U.S. officials advised citizens to be prepared to evacuate ten Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Egypt. Smoke rises following explosion at an unknown location, during what U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says are strikes on Iran. Trump is seen here with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salmanin the Oval Office on November 18, 2025. 
