Saudi King Salman has named his 31-year-old son Mohammed bin Salman as crown prince, and first in line to the throne, on June 21.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman replaces Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, the Saudi king’s nephew.
Prince Mohammed bin Nayef has been relieved of his post. He had been the kingdom’s counterterrorism chief for years.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman had been the deputy crown prince. He was running Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen and overlooking the country’s energy policy.
With the promotion, he becomes deputy prime minister and retains his portfolios on defense, oil, and economy.
The promotion of the prince was approved by the kingdom’s Allegiance Council.
