Saudi King Salman Replaces Heir and Next-in-Line to Rule

 

Saudi King Salman appointed Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef as his new heir today and

made his son, Defence Minister Mohammed bin Salman, second-in-line to succeed in a dramatic reshuffle in the world's top oil exporter.

By making Mohammed bin Nayef, 55, crown prince, and Mohammed bin Salman, who is thought to be in his early 30s, deputy crown prince, the Saudi monarch has set the kingdom's succession in stone for decades and strengthened his branch of the dynasty.

 

He also replaced veteran Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, who had served in the role since October 1975, with the kingdom's Washington ambassador Adel al-Jubeir, the first non-royal to hold the post.