Western media outlets received the interview of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz with the American network "Fox News" on Thursday with great interest. Numerous news reports covered various aspects of the discussion, highlighting political and economic topics, his remarks about Chinese and American leaders, the future of peace in the region, relations with Iran, energy markets, "Vision 2030," economic growth, judicial reforms in his country, and other issues.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman's comments shed light on many important aspects for international policy observers, particularly regarding Saudi Arabia. In addition to discussing major international developments like the war between Russia and Ukraine and the exchange deal between the United States and Iran, the Saudi crown prince also spoke about the negotiations with President Joe Biden's administration regarding relations with Israel, revealing that they are progressing. However, he stressed the importance of resolving the Palestinian issue, considering it essential for any normalization of relations with Israel. He added that Saudi Arabia is interested in "ensuring that Palestinians have a better life" and continues to negotiate with the Biden administration to alleviate Palestinian suffering.
The prince spoke candidly about current Saudi-Iranian relations, following a Chinese mediation, stating that Saudi Arabia did not choose China for this role; rather, China offered it to both sides after negotiations began from the Iraqi side in 2020. He expressed optimism about the current state of relations, saying they have a "good start now, and we hope that continues, and we, along with the Iranians, are doing our utmost," adding that Saudis "had an extremely positive view" on the warm welcome from Iranian crowds to the Saudi football team in Iran last week. However, he also expressed concern about any country obtaining nuclear weapons, stating that it would be "a bad step that would make any country taking it enter into a war with the rest of the world," justifying that "the world does not want to see another Hiroshima." He added that if Iran possessed nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia would do the same for "security reasons and to maintain the balance of power."
In his first interview with a major American news network since 2019, Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated that the decisions to cut oil production aim for market stability, not to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine. He clarified: "We are simply monitoring supply and demand; if there is a supply shortage, our role in OPEC is to fill that gap. If there is an excess in supply, our role in OPEC is to adjust it for market stability." He continued: "Our relations with Russia and Ukraine are good, and we prefer a path of dialogue, and we do not support one side at the expense of the other."
The Saudi crown prince discussed relations with the United States, stating: "We have important security ties with Washington... We have a special relationship with President Biden, who is very focused and well-prepared." Regarding the BRICS group, which invited Saudi Arabia to join at a meeting last August, he noted that this group "is not a political alliance and is not against the United States, evidenced by the presence of Washington's allies within it."
According to Western media comments reported by Asharq Al-Awsat, the American network "ABC" mentioned that Saudi Arabia has become increasingly focused on its diplomatic efforts and advancing Vision 2030 in the last five years, which is Prince Mohammed bin Salman's extensive plan to reform the economy, provide job opportunities for the youth, and lessen Saudi Arabia's dependence on oil revenue. The report indicated that Riyadh had made significant progress in ending the war "with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen," having hosted a delegation from the rebels this week in the capital Riyadh, as well as leading efforts to bring Syria back to the Arab League and agreeing in March to a Chinese-mediated deal to restore diplomatic relations with Iran.
The report also indicated that through the far-reaching social reforms he has implemented, Prince Mohammed bin Salman has transformed Saudi Arabia from a highly conservative state into an ambitious entertainment hub investing in everything from top football stars and golf tournaments to video games and other areas. Furthermore, it noted that President Joe Biden has come to terms with the reality that the Crown Prince is addressing and is now working to mend relations with him while seeking his assistance in controlling oil prices and managing other regional issues.
In discussing the Crown Prince's interview, the Associated Press pointed out that his assertion that any deal for normalization would require significant progress towards establishing a Palestinian state is difficult to promote for the most religious and nationalist governments in Israel's history. Additionally, Brett Baier, the Fox News host who conducted the extensive interview with the Saudi Crown Prince and several Saudi ministers on the program "Special Report," stated that he has conducted many interviews in his career, calling this interview with one of the world's most powerful men significant. Brett Baier is a leading political broadcaster for Fox News and has covered various major political events, interviewing world leaders, current presidents, politicians, and celebrities throughout his nearly three-decade career, including former U.S. Presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and others.
