AhlulBayt News Agency: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have informed US President Donald Trump during his recent visit to the Persian Gulf states that they oppose any potential US military strike against Iran.
The US and Iran have conducted five rounds of nuclear negotiations since April 12 and are expected to meet again to discuss a new agreement. The primary dispute between the two nations revolves around uranium enrichment levels.
Trump stated on Wednesday that he personally warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to interfere with the ongoing talks.
According to Axios, citing unnamed sources, Saudi, Qatari, and Emirati leaders urged Trump during his visit to West Asia from May 13-16 to pursue a renewed nuclear agreement with Tehran.
In 2018, Trump withdrew from the landmark nuclear deal that provided Iran with sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities.
Despite their previous opposition to the nuclear agreement, the three Persian Gulf nations now strongly advocate diplomacy over conflict, fearing that a military strike could provoke Iranian retaliation, particularly since all three host US military bases.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, and Qatari Emir Tamim al-Thani directly informed Trump that their countries would suffer the consequences of any escalation.
The Arab leaders also expressed concerns about Netanyahu acting unilaterally or influencing Trump to abandon negotiations in favor of military action.
Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi specifically voiced their opposition to an Israeli strike against Iran, reaffirming their commitment to diplomatic solutions.
Since the nuclear deal was signed in 2015 by Iran, the US, Britain, France, China, Russia, and Germany, the stance of the three Persian Gulf states has shifted toward prioritizing regional stability and economic development.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have taken steps to ease tensions with Iran, including high-level diplomatic visits.
A recent visit to Tehran by Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, during which he met with Iran’s Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, signaled Riyadh’s opposition to any military strike, highlighting the Persian Gulf’s preference for diplomacy over confrontation.
Saudi Arabia has been gradually normalizing relations with Iran over the past two years.
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