Step back from Iran strikes: MbS to Trump

Dubai: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reportedly urged US President Donald Trump to abandon his plan for a massive escalation against Iran, Axios reports, citing two US officials and a source.

According to the report, Riyadh’s de facto leader spoke to Trump on Saturday and “expressed concern and asked for clarity” about the US president’s plan for large-scale new strikes on the Islamic Republic, and called on him to step back.

‘ADVENTUROUS’ ACTIONS?: ARAGHCHI WARNS Washington 

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned the US against taking any “adventurous” actions, saying those responsible would bear the consequences, according to Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency.

Araghchi made the remarks during separate phone calls with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, during which they exchanged views on the latest regional developments, Mehr said.

Araghchi told Munir and Fidan that Iran was fully prepared to safeguard its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security, and would respond decisively to any act of aggression.

In talks with his Saudi counterpart, Araghchi warned that any hostile US or Israeli action, as well as any regional support for it, would draw a firm, proportionate response from Iran's armed forces, Mehr added.

Tehran vowed to continue to resist US “unlawful aggression” and firmly defend its national  dignity and independence.

—Agencies