Saudi Arabia Urges Diplomacy as Trump Keeps U.S.-Iran Military Option Open
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Saudi Arabia's call for diplomacy has become increasingly important as the U.S.-Iran conflict moves into a more uncertain phase following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire framework. On August 2, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman urged President Donald Trump to prioritize dialogue, reduce escalation and give diplomacy every possible opportunity to prevent a wider regional conflict. Trump subsequently said he had decided to hold off on planned new strikes after hearing from Gulf partners, including Saudi Arabia. The diplomatic opening did not produce a lasting settlement. The 60-day period associated with the June U.S.-Iran memorandum expired in August without a permanent agreement, and Washington and Tehran now disagree over whether meaningful negotiations are even taking place. On August 18, Trump said no talks were underway or scheduled, while Tehran maintained that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until conditions attached to the earlier arra...