Saudi Arabia trying to win Trump’s backing for Palestinian statehood – report

Riyadh reportedly preparing for diplomatic blitz aimed at securing Trump administration’s support for two-state solution and convincing Iran to return to the negotiating table.

By World Israel News Staff

The Saudi government is preparing a diplomatic blitz aimed at convincing the Trump administration to back the international push for Palestinian statehood, and to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, according to a report published by a Lebanese newspaper last week.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of the oil-rich kingdom, is slated to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House next Tuesday, amid ongoing efforts by the US and Saudi Arabia to reach an agreement expanding the Abraham Accords and normalizing diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Jerusalem.

According to a report published on Friday by the Beirut-based, French-language daily L’Orient–Le Jour, bin Salman plans to use his time with the American president to present a series of proposals aimed at stabilizing the Middle East.

One particular area of interest, diplomatic sources cited in the report said, will be Palestinian statehood, with bin Salman expected to make the case for its recognition, telling Trump that a Palestinian state is essential to larger regional initiatives backed by the US and Saudi Arabia.

Another topic bin Salman is expected to raise during his meeting with Trump is Iran’s nuclear program, including the unsuccessful attempts by the US to bring Iran back to the negotiating table following the 12-day war with Israel in June.

Bin Salman, the report said, will push for a new strategy “reorganizing the Middle East,” bolstering ties with Iran while taking steps to prevent a new round of fighting between Israel and Iran.

Part of the Saudi plan will include offers by the crown prince to encourage Tehran to soften its positions in key hotspots where its proxies are active, including Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq.