Why Saudi Arabia and Russia Are Calling for New Efforts to End Conflict Now
TEHRAN — Saudi Arabia and Russia issued a joint call on Thursday for renewed efforts to end the Middle East war, as fighting between US-Israeli forces and Iran intensified and threats escalated on both sides.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone and “emphasised the need for a rapid cessation of hostilities and the intensification of political and diplomatic efforts to achieve a long-term settlement of the conflict,” the Kremlin said.
The appeal came as Tehran threatened “crushing” attacks on Israel and US military assets in the Gulf, following President Donald Trump’s promise of more strikes on Iran. In a televised White House address, Trump said the US was “very close” to achieving its objectives but warned attacks would intensify if Iran did not reach a negotiated settlement. “Over the next two to three weeks, we are going to bring them back to the stone ages, where they belong,” he said.
Iran responded immediately. Israel’s military worked to intercept incoming missiles. Sirens sounded in Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet. Four people were injured by strikes in Tel Aviv. Jerusalem came under attack, and explosions were reported in Dubai as air defenses worked to intercept an Iranian missile barrage.
US-Israeli strikes hit a bridge in Karaj, west of Tehran, twice on Thursday. The first strike caused two civilian casualties, according to initial reports.
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