Middle East

Saudi Arabia Suddenly Has A New Crown Prince

King Salman removed his nephew, Mohammed bin Nayef, as crown prince. And he appointed his son to take on the position instead.

Saudi Arabia Suddenly Has A New Crown Prince
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After a sudden shakeup, Saudi Arabia has a new crown prince.

In a series of royal decrees, King Salman removed his nephew, Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, from the position.

And the king appointed his own son to take his place.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud is now the first in line to succeed his father as Saudi Arabia's ruler.

He's also the country's deputy premier while continuing his role as defense minister.

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Although the timing was surprising, Mohammed bin Salman's promotion to crown prince was widely expected.

Ever since his father became king in 2015, Mohammed bin Salman has played a significant role in the country's government.

He is credited with spearheading a massive overhaul of the Saudi economy and overseeing the state oil company, among other responsibilities.

The royal change comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is in the middle of foreign-policy issues. The nation is leading the region's diplomatic dispute with Qatar, and it's in a two-year-long war in Yemen.