Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia pressed President Donald Trump in recent phone calls to continue the U.S.-led military campaign against Iran, according to a New York Times report citing U.S. and Saudi officials. The discussions reflect Riyadh's private advocacy for sustained pressure on Tehran, even as Saudi Arabia has publicly emphasized de-escalation in the three-week-old war.

The report emerged as the conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military sites, marked its 25th day. Those initial strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials, prompting Iranian missile and drone retaliation against Israel, U.S. bases, and Gulf states including Saudi Arabia. Iran has since launched hundreds of missiles and thousands of drones, partially closing the Strait of Hormuz and driving global oil prices above $114 per barrel.

MBS's urging echoes earlier communications. On March 16, reports indicated the crown prince had advised Trump to "keep hitting the Iranians hard," drawing on past Saudi counsel to "cut off the head of the snake." Saudi officials have spoken regularly with Trump since the war's outset, sources told the Times. Prior to the strikes, MBS made multiple private calls advocating U.S. action, despite Riyadh's public calls for restraint.

The kingdom has faced direct Iranian strikes, with attacks on Riyadh and the Eastern Province killing two Saudis and injuring 16 others. Saudi Arabia closed its airspace and vowed retaliation against further aggression but has not joined the fighting directly.

Casualties in the war have mounted to between 4,211 and 8,524 killed and over 26,700 injured, predominantly in Iran, where strikes have targeted nuclear facilities like Natanz, oil infrastructure, and military bases. The U.S. has conducted Operation Epic Fury, deploying aircraft carriers and bombers, with costs exceeding $18 billion and a pending $200 billion funding request. Israel has focused on Hezbollah in Lebanon, where over 1,000 have died.

Trump recently delayed strikes on Iranian power plants for five days, citing productive talks, though Iran denied negotiations were underway. The president issued an ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait fully, warning of escalation otherwise. Iranian forces continue retaliatory strikes, including recent missiles on Israeli towns.

The Saudi push underscores Gulf concerns over Iranian influence, amid a conflict rooted in Tehran's nuclear activities, proxy militias, and recent massacres of protesters. U.S. allies like the UAE and Bahrain have also suffered attacks, heightening regional stakes.