Saudi Arabia’s defense minister has warned Iran to accept President Trump’s nuclear deal or face potential military action from Israel, marking a significant shift in Middle East diplomacy.
At a Glance
- Saudi Prince Khalid bin Salman visited Tehran and urged Iran to negotiate with Trump to avoid Israeli strikes
- The visit was the first by a senior Saudi royal to Iran in over two decades, following a China-brokered rapprochement
- Trump has hinted at “something good” regarding Iran negotiations in the “next two days”
- Netanyahu reportedly plans to strike Iranian nuclear facilities despite Trump’s opposition
- Saudi Arabia has assured Iran it would not allow its territory to be used for military action against Iran
Historic Saudi-Iran Meeting Addresses Nuclear Tensions
Saudi Arabia’s defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, has delivered a stark message to Iranian officials during a historic visit to Tehran: negotiate a nuclear deal with the Trump administration or risk military action from Israel. The visit marked the first by a senior Saudi royal to Iran in more than 20 years, following a China-brokered rapprochement between the regional rivals in 2023. During meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, Prince Khalid emphasized the growing threat of Israeli military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The Saudi diplomatic initiative comes at a time when Iran’s regional influence has weakened considerably due to military setbacks and crippling economic sanctions. This vulnerability has created an opening for Saudi Arabia to exert diplomatic pressure on Tehran, using the prospect of Israeli military action as leverage. Saudi Arabia has reportedly assured Iranian officials that it would not allow its territory to be used for military operations against Iran, while simultaneously urging them to engage seriously with Trump’s proposal.
Exclusive: Saudi Arabia's defense minister delivered a blunt message to Iranian officials in Tehran last month: take President Donald Trump's offer to negotiate a nuclear agreement seriously because it presents a way to avoid the risk of war with Israel https://t.co/azsTzx1wyU
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 30, 2025
Trump’s Nuclear Negotiations and Israeli Concerns
President Trump has recently suggested that progress is being made in negotiations with Iran, stating they are “very close to a solution now.” The talks reportedly focus on limiting Iran’s uranium enrichment levels and addressing its stockpile of near-bomb-grade fuel. While specific details remain confidential, there are indications that the negotiations may soon result in a declaration of common principles, potentially averting a military confrontation in the region.
“They want to avoid war because war and confrontation with Iran will have negative implications on them and their economic vision and ambitions.”, said Mohanad Hage Ali.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to disrupt these diplomatic efforts by striking Iran’s nuclear facilities. Reports indicate that at least one tense phone call has occurred between President Trump and Netanyahu over this issue. Despite Trump’s efforts to dissuade Israel from military action to allow negotiations to continue, Netanyahu continues to advocate for strikes even without U.S. support, creating significant tension between the longtime allies.
Saudi Arabia Warned Iran to Reach Nuclear Deal With Trump or Risk Israeli Strike https://t.co/nnROWFLf9A
— Algemeiner (@Algemeiner) May 30, 2025
Regional Implications and Iran’s Response
The 2023 détente between Saudi Arabia and Iran was largely driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic ambitions and desire for regional stability. The current Saudi diplomatic initiative builds on this foundation, with Prince Khalid’s visit representing a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s evolving regional strategy. For Saudi Arabia, preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon while avoiding regional war aligns perfectly with its Vision 2030 economic transformation plans.
“President Trump has made it clear: make a deal, or face grave consequences, and the whole world is clearly taking him seriously, as they should.”, said Karoline Leavitt.
Iranian officials have reportedly expressed interest in reaching a deal to ease crushing economic pressures but remain concerned about the unpredictability of Trump’s negotiation approach. Iran is particularly cautious about sacrificing its nuclear enrichment program, which it has consistently claimed is for peaceful purposes despite Western skepticism. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy can prevail or if the region will face a potential military confrontation with far-reaching consequences.
