Saudi Arabia Confident Donald Trump Will Not Worsen Risk of Iran-Israel War

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud assessed that the United States under President 's leadership would not contribute to the risk of an Iran-Israel war. On the contrary, Trump has stated that he does not support the conflict.

Prince Faisal said that the Iran-Israel war or any war in the Middle East region is something that must be avoided by all parties. He conveyed this at the annual international meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland, Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

"I do not see the new US administration as a party that contributes to the risk of war. On the contrary, President Trump has quite clearly stated that he does not support conflict," he said, as quoted by Reuters.

Prince Faisal views the Middle East as having many risk factors, but also has great potential. He even hopes that Iran and the US can interact well under the Trump administration, one of which is in terms of the nuclear program.

"I hope that the (Trump administration's) approach will be welcomed, from the Iranian side, by addressing the issue of the nuclear program," he said.

Saudi Arabia is optimistic about the possibility of a brighter future in the Middle East region. Especially after the ceasefire deal in Gaza, which was supposed to end Israeli attacks on the Palestinian enclave.

“In the wider region, the question is, can we build a region based on cooperation and integration? I think we can. I hope the Iranians think so too. And you know, we are ready to do that,” Prince Faisal was quoted as saying by Al Arabiya.

Speaking about his agenda, Prince Faisal announced that he will visit Lebanon later this week. The trip will mark the first visit by a Saudi foreign minister to Lebanon in more than a decade.

The kingdom has been shunning Lebanon for years due to the strong influence of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group over the country’s affairs.

Prince Faisal also commented on Lebanon’s presidential election that ended in early January. He said the election, after a prolonged hiatus in Lebanon, was a positive one. However, Saudi Arabia needs to see real reforms to increase its involvement in the country.

’s parliament elected military chief Joseph Aoun – a US-backed general – as head of state earlier this month, filling Lebanon’s long-vacant presidency.

Source: Reuters | Al Arabiya

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