Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense received a phone call on Wednesday from US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. They discussed the ongoing arrangements for the deployment of US troops of a defensive nature in the Kingdom during the call. Prince Muhammad Bin Salman told the US Secretary of State that the recent attacks on Aramco oil facilities were "a dangerous escalation for the whole world that calls for a firm stand to preserve international peace and security," the report said. Esper asserted that the United States would do everything necessary to help the Kingdom to defend itself. The US Secretary of Defense stressed that Iran's aggressive policy, which destabilizes the region, must be curbed. He thanked Saudi Arabia once again for joining the International Alliance for the Safety and Protection of Maritime Navigation and its role in contributing to the security of navigation and global trade. — SG
