Trump met with Saudi defence minister after joint strikes on Iraq: Report

US President Donald Trump met with Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, on Wednesday for urgent discussions following the two countries' joint strikes on Iraq, Axios reported citing an American official. According to news website, the source said the purpose of the meeting was to deliver a message from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the ongoing war on Iran alongside the situation in the region. "The Crown Prince wanted to convey to Vance that the strikes in Iraq don't mean that Saudi Arabia is pro-escalation but rather that it is ready to defend itself if needed," the source said. "Prince Khalid told Vance that Netanyahu is pushing for escalation with Iran while Saudi Arabia wants de-escalation because it is a more fruitful path," the source added.