In an exclusive interview with Fox News, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the importance of Saudi-US relations, his positive rapport with President Biden, progress towards normalization with Israel, and concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Crown Prince Mohammed emphasized the significance of the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the US, underscoring its mutual benefits. He spoke about the strengthening of security and military ties that enhance both Saudi Arabia’s and America’s global positions.
Despite acknowledging the complexity of Saudi-US relations, the crown prince expressed admiration for President Biden, describing him as sharp, focused, and well-prepared.
Regarding normalization with Israel, Crown Prince Mohammed expressed optimism, stating that they are steadily progressing towards this goal. He also emphasized the importance of addressing the Palestinian issue as part of the normalization process.
In response to questions about negotiations with Israel, the crown prince clarified that they had not been suspended and mentioned that if the Biden administration played a role in brokering an agreement, it could be a historic development.
Addressing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, the crown prince expressed reservations about any country possessing nuclear weapons. He cited the potential catastrophic consequences and stated that if Iran acquired nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia would feel compelled to follow suit.
Despite these concerns, Crown Prince Mohammed expressed hopes for continued positive relations with Iran to maintain regional security and stability.
He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to transform into a global tourism destination as part of its Vision 2030 reform agenda, with investments in the sector significantly increasing its contribution to the country’s GDP.
The crown prince denied any link between OPEC’s oil production cuts and support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. He emphasized that OPEC+ focuses on market stability by adjusting supply in response to demand.
Regarding accusations of “sportswashing” Saudi Arabia’s image, the crown prince expressed his commitment to promoting sports if it had a positive economic impact, aiming to increase GDP.
When questioned about Saudi Arabia’s alleged involvement in the 9/11 attacks, the crown prince rejected such claims and pointed out that Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the attacks, had targeted both Saudi Arabia and the US in the past.
Lastly, he discussed the merger of the Saudi Public Investment Fund-backed LIV Golf League with the PGA Tour, describing it as a game-changing development for the golf industry that benefits players and fans.
