Saudi Defense Minister tells VP Vance: Riyadh seeks de-escalation with Iran despite recent joint U.S.-Saudi strikes in Iraq

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

Axios: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman told Vice President JD Vance that Riyadh still favors de escalation with Iran despite the recent joint U.S. Saudi strikes in Iraq. He said attacks by Iran backed militias crossed a red line, forcing Saudi Arabia to respond, but stressed the Kingdom seeks stability, not a wider conflict. He also claimed Netanyahu is pushing for escalation while Saudi Arabia prefers diplomacy.