Saudi Arabia has inspired Iran to take significant steps towards reaching a nuclear settlement with former U.S. President Donald Trump. This message was reportedly delivered by Saudi Protection Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman throughout a confidential go to to Tehran on April 17. Throughout the discussions, he emphasised that swift motion on a deal might assist keep away from a possible army battle with Israel. The go to was stated to convey a direct message from King Salman to Iran’s Supreme Chief, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The assembly additionally concerned Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, together with senior army and diplomatic officers. Based on sources, the Saudi delegation warned that Trump’s endurance was restricted and that delays would possibly undermine the probabilities of profitable negotiations. Trump had just lately introduced a willingness for direct talks with Iran throughout a public look alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Prince Khalid harassed {that a} negotiated settlement was far preferable to the chance of struggle.
Prince Khalid additionally voiced concern in regards to the fragile regional surroundings, pointing to ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon as contributing to instability. He cautioned that escalating tensions might hurt Saudi Arabia’s financial ambitions. He referenced previous incidents such because the 2019 drone assaults on Aramco services—assaults for which Saudi Arabia held Iran and its allies accountable.
Iranian officers responded with cautious curiosity, expressing considerations over inconsistent U.S. positions, which they stated made belief troublesome. Iran reiterated its demand for sanctions reduction and recognition of its proper to counterpoint uranium, although it stays unwilling to utterly dismantle its nuclear program. One supply indicated that Iran would possibly think about halting enrichment briefly if Washington agreed to unfreeze sure monetary property.
This go to marked an uncommon high-level interplay between the 2 rival states, following a reconciliation deal brokered by China in 2023. Prince Khalid assured Tehran that Saudi Arabia wouldn’t allow assaults on Iran to be launched from its territory by both Israel or the U.S. Nonetheless, diplomats famous continued unease in Riyadh and past, with considerations about Iran’s unpredictable habits. Whereas peace is desired, belief stays restricted.
