US senator praises Saudi role in regional stability, de-escalation with Iran

US Senator Bill Hagerty, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praised Saudi Arabia's prominent role in supporting regional stability and containing escalation with Iran, saying the Kingdom's actions enhance prospects for resolving the crisis.

In a television interview with "The Sunday Briefing" on Fox News, Hagerty explained that Saudi Arabia is leading efforts to form a naval defense coalition of more than 40 countries to protect navigation in the Red Sea, amid growing concerns over a widening conflict following the Houthis' announcement of a maritime blockade.

The senator added that Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman contacted US President Donald Trump to urge restraint, as the Kingdom seeks to prevent the opening of a new front in the Red Sea.

Hagerty noted that regional countries have begun to take greater action to address security challenges, welcoming the joint efforts of these nations—led by Saudi Arabia—with the United States. He said that a solution to the crisis, ongoing for 47 years, would be regional.

Regional alliances and accelerating an end to threats

Hagerty further stated that the participation of Saudi Arabia and other countries in efforts to contain the crisis could accelerate the end of Iranian threats, stressing that President Trump remains committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. He also noted that cooperation between regional states and the United States is a key factor in resolving the crisis as quickly as possible.