The US this week is trying to sway Saudi Arabia to get behind an attack on Iran, one US official briefed on the talking points for the Saudi defence minister's visit to Washington and two Arab officials familiar with diplomacy told Middle East Eye.

In effect, the US and its Gulf partners appear to be talking over each other, with the Trump administration pressing Riyadh to fall in line on an attack, while Saudi Arabia is joined by Oman, Qatar and Turkey pushing for negotiations.

Axios first reported the Washington visit, alongside that of Israel’s military intelligence chief.

The US official familiar with the talking points for Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman’s visit told Middle East Eye on Thursday that the Trump administration’s discussions would include how military strikes can reduce Iran’s threat to partners in the region through proxies and its ballistic missile arsenal. The US will also reassure Riyadh about its commitment to its long-term defence and security.

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-aims-sway-saudi-defence-minister-get-behind-iran-strikes-sources-say