by
International Desk, May 30, 2025 : In a bid to avert a potential conflict in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has sent a diplomatic message to its regional rival, Iran, urging restraint against possible Israeli military actions and emphasizing the need for a nuclear agreement with the United States. Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz conveyed this warning through his son, Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, who delivered the message directly to Tehran.
According to Reuters, Prince Khalid met with Iranian officials in a confidential meeting at the Presidential Palace in Tehran on April 17. The meeting included Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, military chief Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Saudi and Iranian sources revealed that King Salman expressed concerns that Iran risks facing Israeli military strikes if it does not take the proposed U.S. nuclear deal seriously. The message also hinted that U.S. President Donald Trump’s patience is limited, and he seeks a swift resolution.
Prince Khalid explicitly warned that failure to pursue diplomatic talks could lead to Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Analysts note that Iran’s regional allies, Hamas and Hezbollah, have been weakened by Israel’s ongoing operations in Gaza and Lebanon, while the Syrian government’s control has diminished, further isolating Iran amid Western sanctions. This context has prompted Saudi Arabia to intensify its diplomatic efforts.
Mohannad Hej Ali, an Iran expert at the Carnegie Middle East Center, stated that Iran’s weakened position has given Saudi Arabia an opportunity to exert diplomatic influence. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia seeks to avoid war, as it could severely impact its economy and Vision 2030 plans.
The Saudi-Iran diplomatic thaw, facilitated by China in 2023, marked a significant step after years of hostility. However, mutual distrust persists, making Prince Khalid’s visit to Tehran a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Neither Saudi Arabia nor Iran has issued an official statement on the matter.
AI/MR
