Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with U.S. Vice President Vance at the White House on July 29, 2026, to discuss the recent joint U.S.-Saudi military strikes on pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. A source familiar with the meeting indicated that Saudi Arabia still favors de-escalation with Iran despite the strikes. The meeting aimed to convey a message from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran and regional stability.
The Saudi military and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted joint strikes against pro-Iranian militias in Iraq on July 28, 2026, in response to over 30 drone attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps against Saudi targets in the preceding 72 hours. The Saudi Defense Ministry confirmed its participation in the strikes, which were coordinated with CENTCOM.
During the meeting, Prince Khalid expressed to Vice President Vance that the attacks on Saudi infrastructure by Iraqi militias crossed a red line, necessitating a response. He emphasized that the strikes in Iraq were not indicative of a desire for escalation but rather a measure of self-defense. The Saudi defense minister also mentioned that Saudi Arabia is capable of managing the situation with the Houthis in Yemen without U.S. involvement and is currently negotiating with them. The vice president's office did not provide comments on the meeting.