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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to meet Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on Monday, as part of a diplomatic initiative to prevent the Gaza conflict from escalating into a broader regional crisis. Blinken's discussions will address Red Sea attacks by Iran-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen, Saudi Arabia's southern neighbor.
The meeting is also anticipated to broach the topic of potential normalization of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel, a matter that had been under initial consideration but was paused due to the unfolding crisis in Gaza, according to a senior official.
During earlier talks in Abu Dhabi with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday, Blinken emphasized the significance of preventing the conflict's further spread, as revealed in a US summary of the meeting.
As the US Secretary of State navigates complex diplomatic terrain, the focus on preventing a regional spillover underscores the urgency of diplomatic efforts to mitigate the impact of the Gaza war on neighboring countries. The discussions reflect the broader geopolitical dynamics at play in the Middle East, with the potential for diplomatic breakthroughs and the need to address regional security challenges.
Blinken's engagements in the region demonstrate a strategic approach to quelling tensions and fostering stability, with the meeting in Saudi Arabia serving as a crucial step in the diplomatic mission to navigate the intricacies of the ongoing conflict and its potential ramifications.
