How the Iran War Ignited a Clash Between Trump and the Saudi Crown Prince
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-01 09:25:00 — www.nytimes.com
Trump’s Handling of Saudi Relations During Gulf Crisis Draws Scrutiny
As tensions flared in the Gulf, President Trump’s approach to Saudi Arabia and the broader region has come under renewed examination, revealing both diplomatic missteps and public disparagements that have strained key alliances.
Trump’s Response to Saudi Rebuff
When the Trump administration announced Project Freedom—a mission to protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran effectively closed the waterway—U.S. military leaders were blindsided by Saudi Arabia’s refusal to allow American forces to use its airspace. The Americans had not consulted the Saudis beforehand, leading to a diplomatic scramble.
An outraged President Trump personally called Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on three consecutive days, attempting to sway the Saudi leader. Despite the high-level outreach, the crown prince stood firm, fearing that the U.S. operation could provoke further Iranian attacks. Ultimately, the Trump administration was forced to shut down Project Freedom less than 48 hours after it began, exposing a lack of coordination and diminishing confidence in U.S. leadership.
Public Mockery and Diplomatic Fallout
Amid these tensions, Trump publicly mocked Prince Mohammed at a Miami investment forum organized by Saudi Arabia. Referring to the crown prince, Trump said, “He didn’t think he’d be kissing my ass,” disparaging the Saudi leader in front of an international audience. This public slight added to the strain, even as Trump’s aides insisted the president maintained a “great relationship” with Saudi Arabia.
Shifting Alliances and Lingering Doubts
The episode is part of a broader pattern in which Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have grown increasingly skeptical of American reliability under Trump. The Saudis, in particular, have questioned whether the U.S. would provide protection or exercise sound judgment in future conflicts, especially after Trump declined to retaliate against Iran for a 2019 attack on Saudi oil fields.
Despite ongoing cooperation on arms sales and nuclear energy, the Saudis have charted a more independent course, strengthening ties with China and Pakistan and engaging directly with Iran. Trump’s vacillating approach and public disparagements have contributed to a perception of the U.S. as an unpredictable partner.
Conclusion
President Trump’s handling of the Gulf crisis and his relationship with Saudi Arabia have highlighted both diplomatic missteps and a willingness to publicly undermine key allies. As the region faces ongoing instability, these actions have left America’s Gulf partners questioning the reliability and judgment of U.S. leadership, with lasting implications for regional security and American influence.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/01/us/politics/trump-saudi-crown-prince-iran.html