Saudi Arabia has delivered a stark warning to Iran, urging Tehran to take US President Donald Trump’s offer for a nuclear agreement seriously. The Saudi defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, emphasized during a secret meeting in Tehran that negotiating with the US is crucial to prevent a possible war with Israel. The message highlights growing regional tensions and the urgency of diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions amid fears of escalating conflict.
During the confidential meeting held on April 17 in Tehran’s presidential compound, senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, received the warning directly from Prince Khalid. The Saudi prince, who previously served as ambassador to Washington, stressed that President Trump’s patience for lengthy negotiations is limited and that a swift agreement was necessary to avoid military confrontation.
Pressure for Quick Diplomacy
Prince Khalid conveyed that the window for diplomacy is closing rapidly. He cautioned that failing to reach a deal with the US could lead to Israeli military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Saudi Arabia fears that the ongoing instability caused by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel has already strained the region, and any further escalation would be disastrous.
This message came shortly after Trump publicly revealed that direct talks were underway between Washington and Tehran, aiming to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for easing sanctions. However, Iranian officials expressed concerns about the unpredictability of the US negotiating stance, which has shifted between allowing limited uranium enrichment and demanding a complete halt.
Iran’s Position on Enrichment and Sanctions
Iran’s representatives made it clear that while Tehran is interested in reaching an agreement to relieve economic pressure, it will not abandon its uranium enrichment program. President Pezeshkian and other officials voiced wariness about Washington’s demands, emphasizing that nuclear enrichment is a non-negotiable issue for Iran.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the US is preparing a draft “term sheet” that includes a total ban on uranium enrichment, a condition Israel strongly supports. Despite disagreements between the US and Israel over the negotiation terms, American officials warn that military options remain on the table if Iran refuses to comply.
As talks continue, concerns grow over Iran’s expanding nuclear capabilities, including the development of underground facilities designed to evade airstrikes. The tense diplomatic dance underscores the fragile balance in the Middle East, where efforts to avoid war are matched by fears of its looming possibility.
