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Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud Behind US-Israel Strikes On Iran

In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, recent reports have uncovered Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s (MBS) behind-the-scenes lobbying efforts that played a pivotal role in the United States and Israel’s coordinated airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2026.

These strikes, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have triggered widespread retaliatory attacks and raised fears of a broader regional conflict.

The operations, dubbed “Epic Fury” by the US and “Roaring Lion” by Israel, targeted Iranian military bases, nuclear facilities, and leadership compounds in Tehran and other key sites.

US B-2 bombers struck ballistic missile sites with 2,000-pound bombs, marking a significant show of force. US President Donald Trump announced Khamenei’s death shortly after, framing the strikes as an opportunity for Iranians to “rise and take back your freedom.”

Despite claims of preempting threats, US intelligence assessments indicated no “imminent” Iranian attack prior to the operation, suggesting deeper geopolitical motivations.

Saudi Arabia’s Dual Stance

Publicly, Saudi Arabia maintained a position of neutrality, stating it would not permit the use of its airspace or bases for attacks on Iran.

However, confidential reports reveal that MBS made multiple phone calls to Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the weeks leading up to the strikes.

The crown prince reportedly urged a decisive assault, criticizing previous operations as insufficient and arguing they had only strengthened Iran’s regime.

This involvement stems from longstanding rivalries between Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Shia-led Iran for dominance in the Islamic world.

The feud traces back to historical divisions following the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 AD, which split the Muslim community into Sunni and Shia factions.

Analysts suggest MBS viewed the strikes as a chance to weaken Iran, potentially leading to regime change and bolstering Saudi influence in the region.

Following the initial attacks, Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones at Israeli targets and US bases in multiple Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia.

Strikes hit Riyadh and eastern Saudi oil fields, though Saudi defenses intercepted most projectiles.

In response, Saudi officials condemned Iran’s actions as “aggression” and signaled potential military support for affected allies, further indicating Riyadh’s alignment with the US-Israel axis.

Cyber Warfare Amplifies The Conflict

The strikes were preceded by sophisticated cyber operations, highlighting the hybrid nature of modern warfare.

In Iran, a popular prayer app called Bad Saba, used by millions for religious timings and Ramadan schedules, was hacked.

Users received notifications urging them to “stand against oppression” and announcing that “help has arrived,” just minutes before airstrikes commenced in Tehran.

Israel is widely suspected, drawing parallels to past operations like the Stuxnet virus that disrupted Iran’s nuclear program.

Similar disruptions occurred in Pakistan, where major television networks, including Geo News, ARY, and Samaa, were compromised around March 1-2.

Broadcasts displayed anti-military messages accusing the Pakistani army of betrayal and even praising Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.

Pakistani authorities attributed the hacks to foreign actors, amid speculation of links to the broader regional turmoil.

These cyber incidents underscore how digital tools are being weaponized to incite unrest and psychological pressure, extending the battlefield beyond physical borders.

Casualties And Regional Fallout

The human toll has been significant. In Iran, over 555 people have been reported killed across 131 cities, with hundreds more injured, including in strikes near civilian areas.

Iranian counterattacks have claimed at least three US troops and wounded five others, with additional casualties in Israel (10 reported dead) and other targeted nations.

On March 2, Iran fired fresh barrages at Israel and Gulf states, while Hezbollah has joined the fray, launching rockets into Israel.

Israel responded by striking Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, resulting in 31 deaths in the Beirut suburbs and further escalating the conflict.

Additional strikes include Iranian attacks on the US Embassy in Kuwait and a British base in Cyprus.

In Kuwait, several US warplanes crashed during operations, though crews survived.

The US has retaliated forcefully, sinking nine Iranian warships and destroying the Iranian navy headquarters.

Reports of strikes on Iran’s Natanz nuclear site emerged, but the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed no damage.

Protests have erupted in Shia-majority regions, including Iraq, Pakistan (where 22 demonstrators were killed), and parts of India such as Kashmir.

In contrast, Sunni-dominated Arab states like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan have seen minimal public backlash, reflecting underlying sectarian divides.

Economically, the crisis has driven oil prices to $80 per barrel and gold to $5,395 per ounce, signaling investor uncertainty.

Airspace has been closed in affected areas, and stock markets in countries such as Kuwait and Oman have plummeted.

Ongoing Developments And Global Implications

President Trump has vowed to continue operations for “four or five weeks” until Iran’s capabilities are “razed to the ground,” while Iranian officials have promised sustained retaliation.

Critics, including international observers, have labeled the strikes as reckless, with no clear de-escalation strategy.

Major powers like Russia and China are monitoring the situation closely, with China condemning the attacks amid concerns of a wider war involving NATO allies such as Turkey.

As the conflict unfolds, the revelation of MBS’s involvement adds a layer of complexity, exposing the intricate web of alliances and rivalries shaping the Middle East.

Diplomatic efforts are underway, but with retaliatory strikes ongoing, the path to resolution remains uncertain.