Saudi Crown Prince Captures Attention of US Media

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an interview with Fox News (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an interview with Fox News (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Crown Prince Captures Attention of US Media

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an interview with Fox News (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during an interview with Fox News (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Extensive media coverage in the United States has focused on Fox News’ interview with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which was aired on Wednesday evening.

The dialogue with the Crown Prince shed light on the situation in the Middle East and relations with Israel.

Additionally, the interview brought attention to the Crown Prince’s commitment to enhancing living conditions of Palestinians.

Topics covered during the interview were diverse and resonated in both political and economic dimensions. They encompassed discussions about Chinese and American leaders, Iran, energy markets, Vision 2030, economic growth, and judicial reforms.

US media outlets gave emphasis to the Crown Prince’s leadership abilities and his willingness to establish improved relations with Iran, while also highlighting his determination to obtain nuclear capabilities should Iran acquire them.

They directly referenced messages conveyed during the interview to President Joe Biden’s administration, which could represent a significant political triumph in foreign policy if negotiations for normalization with Israel were successful.

The New York Post’s Victor Nava covered statements by the Crown Prince on the Kingdom’s approach when it comes to the question of acquiring nuclear weapons if Iran does so first.

According to Nava, the Crown Prince expressed “concern” about the possibility of a nuclear Iran in the wide-ranging interview with Fox News host Bret Baier.

“Well, we are concerned [about] any country getting a nuclear weapon. That’s a bad move,” said the Crown Prince.

“You don’t need to get a nuclear weapon because you can’t use it even if you can get a nuclear weapon.”

The Crown Prince argued that if Iran is able to obtain a nuclear weapon and its authoritarian regime decides to use it, the country would quickly find itself at war with “the world.”

“The world cannot see another Hiroshima,” he noted.

On the other hand, CNN emphasized the statements made by the Saudi Crown Prince regarding the prospects of normalizing ties with Israel.

The news channel pointed to the Crown Prince’s statements on Saudi Arabia getting closer every day to reaching an agreement with Israel.

CNN deemed these statements as unprecedented, particularly in the context of ongoing negotiations being taken “very seriously.”

The Crown Prince had told Baier that a pact with Israel would be “the biggest historical deal since the Cold War.”



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.