Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declared at the White House that Osama bin Laden’s strategic intent behind the 9/11 attacks was to dismantle the partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Speaking to reporters, Prince Salman indicated that bin Laden specifically used Saudi citizens to create a rift, believing that a strong US-Saudi relationship was detrimental to terrorism and extremism. He presented this viewpoint as being supported by CIA documents, urging that strengthening the alliance is paramount to defying bin Laden’s aims and ensuring global safety. Prince Salman referred to the 9/11 attacks as a ‘huge mistake,’ expressing sympathy for the affected families and affirming that Saudi Arabia has implemented rigorous measures and improved its systems to guarantee such an event never repeats. He stated that the country has conducted thorough investigations and reinforced its capabilities. The joint press appearance also involved President Trump’s defense of Prince Salman concerning the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with Trump asserting the Crown Prince’s lack of prior knowledge about the operation.
