Recognition of Jerusalem is 'dangerous' move: Saudi king warns Trump

"Moving the US embassy is a dangerous step that provokes the feelings of Muslims around the world," state-run Al- Ekhbariya TV quoted King Salman as telling Trump in a phone call.

Riyadh, Dec 6: Ahead of US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel, Saudi Arabia's King Salman has warned Trump that moving the US embassy for Israel to Jerusalem was a "dangerous step" that could rile Muslims worldwide.

"Moving the US embassy is a dangerous step that provokes the feelings of Muslims around the world," state-run Al- Ekhbariya TV quoted King Salman as telling Trump in a phone call.

Trump informed Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas of his intention to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Abbas's office said yesterday. The announcement prompted a slew of criticism from Arab leaders.

Ties between Saudi Arabia and the United States appeared to have warmed after the election of Trump, who chose the Gulf kingdom for his first overseas visit in May.

While the two countries have long been allies, Riyadh viewed Trump's predecessor Barack Obama as overly friendly with its arch-nemesis Iran. Israel and Saudi Arabia have no official diplomatic relations.

PTI