At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been openly pressing for a US strike, describing Iran as an existential threat to Israel. The Saudi push for military action came even as Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner were engaged in talks with Iranian officials over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs. Privately, however, the crown prince warned US officials that failing to strike now would embolden Tehran and increase future risks, the Post reported. Iran did retaliate following the initial US strikes, targeting Saudi Arabia. In explaining the strikes, Trump invoked decades of hostility between Washington and Tehran, framing the operation as retribution for past attacks.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 01, 2026 11:34 UTC