Rubio Calls for Hamas Disarmament in Meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister

In a key diplomatic meeting in Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Wednesday to discuss pressing regional and international challenges. At the top of the agenda was the urgent situation in Gaza and the need to dismantle Hamas' military capabilities.

According to State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, both officials stressed the necessity for Hamas to be fully disarmed and stripped of power as a prerequisite for a sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages. Rubio’s message was clear: true peace in the region cannot take root while Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, retains its weapons and operational control.

Rubio also thanked Saudi Arabia for its efforts to advance peace initiatives between Russia and Ukraine and acknowledged Riyadh’s increasing role in ensuring regional stability. Their collaboration extends to confronting threats from the Iranian-backed Houthis and working together to protect commercial routes through the Red Sea.

Beyond the focus on Gaza and Yemen, the two leaders addressed the deteriorating situation in Sudan. They jointly called for the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to reengage in peace negotiations, safeguard civilians, and restore humanitarian access. The return to civilian-led governance remains a shared goal.

Both Rubio and Prince Faisal reaffirmed the enduring strategic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia. They expressed a mutual desire to deepen defense, economic, and diplomatic cooperation going forward.

As conflict and instability continue to grip key regions of the Middle East and beyond, the alliance between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia remains a pillar of pragmatic diplomacy and coordinated security efforts.

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