Saudi King Salman plans to step down and name his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as his successor, according to a report. After the move, King Salman will continue only as a ceremonial figurehead, the Daily Mail reported citing a source close to the Saudi royal family. The source said that once the transfer of power is complete, the new king will ramp up hostilities against Saudi Arabia’s bitter rival Iran, with fears of a possible military clash. Mohammed will also target Hezbollah, the Shia militia in Lebanon that is backed by Iran, the source said. If what the report claims is accurate, then the transfer of power will be the final step in Mohammed’s power grab.

Source: Hindustan Times November 17, 2017 11:48 UTC