Saudi Crown Prince Warns of Potential 'Future War with Iran'

Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, urged the international community to increase economic and political pressure on Iran to prevent military confrontation in the region during an interview with the Wall Street Journal. Published on Thursday, March 29, he added, "If we do not succeed in our efforts in this regard, it is likely that we will witness a war with Iran in the next 10 to 15 years." The Crown Prince, who is also the Minister of Defense of Saudi Arabia, made critical remarks against the Islamic Republic before his trip to the United States, where he has reiterated similar views in various meetings. Prior to this trip, he stated in an interview with CBS's '60 Minutes' that, "Saudi Arabia is not seeking to acquire a nuclear bomb, but if Iran builds a nuclear bomb, we will undoubtedly do so quickly as well." He also accused Iran of "harboring al-Qaeda elements." The Iranian Foreign Ministry responded to these statements, calling the Crown Prince's remarks "brazen." The Saudi government has criticized the international nuclear agreement with Iran, which lifted most international sanctions against the country in exchange for limiting Iran's nuclear programs. Israel also opposes the nuclear deal with Iran. The Crown Prince has previously referred to Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, as a "new Hitler" who has "emerged in the Middle East." The 32-year-old Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, is currently considered the key figure in shaping the domestic and foreign policy of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia also has serious issues with Iran in Yemen, where the Saudi military coalition is fighting the Houthis, who are supported by Iran.