On Saturday, Bloomberg reported that “Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has instructed his younger brother, Deputy Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, to travel to Washington and London in the next few days to urge restraint, the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported, citing people it didn’t identify.”
On Tuesday, Deputy Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman tweeted that he met with “U.S. Secretary of defense Mark Esper and discussed mutual challenges faced by both countries.
He also emphasized the importance of both countries’ ongoing military cooperation as it serves regional and international security.”
From Pompeo’s website:
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus:
Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo met with Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud in Washington, D.C. today. Secretary Pompeo discussed President Trump’s recent decision to take decisive defensive action to protect U.S. personnel abroad. The Secretary thanked the Deputy Minister for Saudi Arabia’s continued support and for working with the United States to counter the threat posed by the Iranian regime. The Secretary underscored that the United States does not seek war with Iran and remains committed to de-escalation. The Secretary also thanked the Deputy Minister for his continued efforts toward a political resolution to the conflict in Yemen.
Apparently, the meeting was not listed on Trump’s public schedule.
