Blinken meets with Saudi Crown Prince

The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has met Monday with the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammad Bin Salman, as part of the former’s middle eastern tour that aims to “de-escalate” the region.

The private meeting took place in the oasis of Al-'Ula, and discussed efforts to stop the Gaza war from spiraling into a regional conflict.

Blinken has departed Saudi Arabia after visiting the United Arab Emirates, and is set to head to Tel Aviv, the Occupied territories Monday as part of the regional tour.

Blinken, in an earlier meeting with the president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasized the “importance of preventing further spread of the conflict."

Blinken’s first stop was Jordan, where he met His Majesty King Abdullah II Sunday.

King Abdullah II warned against the dire consequences of ongoing aggression in Gaza, and emphasized the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis, in addition to stressing the crucial role of the United States in advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, safeguarding civilians, and ensuring sustained delivery of relief and medical aid.