Saudi Arabia’s defense minister recently delivered a direct message to Iranian leaders in Tehran: take US President Donald Trump’s offer to negotiate a nuclear agreement seriously, as it may be the best path to avoid potential military conflict with Israel.
According to multiple Gulf and Iranian sources, the message was sent on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, who dispatched his son, Prince Khalid bin Salman, to meet with top Iranian officials including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, and military chief Mohammad Bagheri during a secretive meeting in Tehran on April 17.
While media reported on Prince Khalid’s visit, the details of King Salman’s message had not been disclosed until now. The prince reportedly told Iranian officials that President Trump was eager for a swift deal and that prolonged talks would not be tolerated. He cautioned that if negotiations failed, Israel might resort to military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities — a scenario that could escalate regional instability.
The prince’s comments come amid a volatile backdrop, with Israel intensifying military actions against Iran’s regional allies in Gaza and Lebanon, and international sanctions continuing to damage Iran’s economy.
Iran Responds With Caution
During the talks, Iranian President Pezeshkian acknowledged the country’s desire to reach a deal to alleviate economic pressure through sanctions relief. However, Iranian officials expressed skepticism about the Trump administration’s unpredictable approach and insisted Iran would not dismantle its uranium enrichment program simply to appease Washington.
Though both sides have participated in multiple rounds of negotiations, significant disagreements remain, particularly over enrichment rights. Iran is reportedly open to a temporary pause in uranium enrichment if the US unfreezes Iranian funds and recognizes its right to civilian nuclear energy. The Iranian Foreign Ministry, however, has denied these reports.
Riyadh Warns Against Provocations
Prince Khalid also urged Iran to reconsider its regional policies, which have long been a source of tension in the Middle East. He cited past attacks on Saudi oil facilities allegedly orchestrated by Iran-backed Houthis as a major concern, although he stopped short of direct accusations.
While Iranian officials reportedly insisted they do not control the Houthis, Saudi Arabia remains wary. The prince emphasized that stability is critical for Saudi Arabia’s economic ambitions and warned Tehran against actions that could provoke the United States.
In a significant gesture, Prince Khalid is said to have assured Iran that Saudi territory and airspace would not be used by the US or Israel in any potential military strike — an attempt to ease Tehran’s concerns.
Trump’s Stance and Regional Impact
President Trump confirmed that he had recently cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu against disrupting ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran, asserting that the two sides were “very close” to a deal.
At the same time, Trump’s administration has reasserted a tough stance, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying, “Make a deal, or face grave consequences.” However, Trump has also made clear his interest in a quick diplomatic resolution.
Iran’s diminished regional influence — due to losses suffered by allies such as Hezbollah and Hamas, and the fall of Assad’s regime in Syria — has created space for Saudi Arabia to assert its diplomatic power. Analysts suggest Riyadh is motivated by a desire to avoid regional war and preserve its economic development plans.
The meeting marked the first high-level visit by a Saudi royal to Iran in more than 20 years, highlighting a tentative thaw in relations since a China-brokered rapprochement in 2023.
Despite the detente, regional powers remain cautious of Iran’s long-term intentions. As one analyst put it, “The Saudis are pushing for diplomacy because war would endanger their economic vision.”
