Saudi Crown Prince to Press Trump for Direct U.S. Role in Ending Sudan War
Mohammed bin Salman to urge President Donald Trump to intervene amid worsening civil conflict in Sudan
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to press U.S. President Donald Trump for direct intervention to end the ongoing war in Sudan, diplomatic sources said on 18 November 2025. The prince believes the president’s personal influence is essential to break the stalemate between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been fighting since April 2023.
The conflict has caused widespread destruction, ethnic violence and mass displacement, with the United Nations describing it as one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century.
The RSF, recently accused of atrocities after seizing the city of El Fasher in Darfur, agreed to a U.S.-backed humanitarian ceasefire proposal, while the army has not yet formally accepted the plan.
The Saudi request comes as part of a broader strategy that links the kingdom’s national security to the stability of Sudan.
With hundreds of kilometres of Red Sea coastline facing Sudan, Saudi officials view a resolution of the conflict as vital to regional stability.
Furthermore, the prince is expected to highlight his belief that U.S. engagement could achieve what Arab mediation efforts so far have failed to deliver.
Regional dynamics complicate the effort.
The United Arab Emirates is widely accused of backing the RSF, while Saudi Arabia and Egypt are seen as closer to the army.
This has introduced a Gulf rivalry into the mediation process.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently warned that the “Quad” grouping of the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates must produce tangible results swiftly.
During the talks with President Trump in Washington, the Saudi crown prince will likely emphasise his readiness to help broker an inclusive political transition in Sudan, building on prior Saudi-and-U.S. backed proposals.
The Trump administration’s recent diplomatic momentum, including efforts in Gaza cease-fire mediation, offers a backdrop for renewed hope.
Saudi sources believe the president’s reputation as a deal-maker and his personal ties with Gulf leaders position him uniquely to act decisively.
If the United States heeds the call, it could catalyse a fresh push to bring both warring parties to a table, secure humanitarian access and restore a pathway toward civilian governance in Sudan — though many observers caution that deep distrust and competing foreign influences may still hinder progress.
The conflict has caused widespread destruction, ethnic violence and mass displacement, with the United Nations describing it as one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century.
The RSF, recently accused of atrocities after seizing the city of El Fasher in Darfur, agreed to a U.S.-backed humanitarian ceasefire proposal, while the army has not yet formally accepted the plan.
The Saudi request comes as part of a broader strategy that links the kingdom’s national security to the stability of Sudan.
With hundreds of kilometres of Red Sea coastline facing Sudan, Saudi officials view a resolution of the conflict as vital to regional stability.
Furthermore, the prince is expected to highlight his belief that U.S. engagement could achieve what Arab mediation efforts so far have failed to deliver.
Regional dynamics complicate the effort.
The United Arab Emirates is widely accused of backing the RSF, while Saudi Arabia and Egypt are seen as closer to the army.
This has introduced a Gulf rivalry into the mediation process.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently warned that the “Quad” grouping of the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates must produce tangible results swiftly.
During the talks with President Trump in Washington, the Saudi crown prince will likely emphasise his readiness to help broker an inclusive political transition in Sudan, building on prior Saudi-and-U.S. backed proposals.
The Trump administration’s recent diplomatic momentum, including efforts in Gaza cease-fire mediation, offers a backdrop for renewed hope.
Saudi sources believe the president’s reputation as a deal-maker and his personal ties with Gulf leaders position him uniquely to act decisively.
If the United States heeds the call, it could catalyse a fresh push to bring both warring parties to a table, secure humanitarian access and restore a pathway toward civilian governance in Sudan — though many observers caution that deep distrust and competing foreign influences may still hinder progress.