Dem senator who demanded Saudi accountability over Khashoggi meets with crown prince, pushes Palestinian state

A Senate Democrat pushing for an end to the war in Iran and the creation of a Palestinian state met with Saudi Arabia's crown prince during a trip to the Middle East.

He noted that he's been in disagreement with the Saudis, particularly over the Gulf country's several investments in President Donald Trump's family businesses, but that "there's got to be space for political dialogue and speech here in Saudi Arabia."

"We talked about those things. I'm not saying we came to conclusions, but I think it's important for the crown prince to not just hear from the Trump administration, but to hear from people who want a different path for Saudi Arabia in the region and in the world," Murphy said.

Murphy notably did not mention Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post journalist who was murdered and dismembered by Saudi operatives at a Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey in 2018.

Years ago, Murphy was demanding accountability from the Saudi government over Khashoggi's slaying.

Fox News Digital reached out to Murphy's office for comment on Khashoggi and his meeting with MBS.

Murphy, one of the more vocal critics of the war, said his trip was meant to view war damage, speak with allies about the conflict's regional impact and meet with actors working to end the fighting.

He's so far met with Ali Al Thawadi, a key diplomat who coordinates U.S.-Iran shuttle diplomacy, and another key leader in the region, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

"And they are mediators right now in the effort to end the war with Iran," Murphy said. "I thanked him for all of this. Qatar is and will remain an essential ally of the United States."

"Of course, I was also candid with him, in particular regarding my deep concerns about the transfer of the luxury plane," he continued.