Gulf leaders urge Trump to avoid Iran strike, support diplomacy: Axios

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Axios
29 May 2025 14:05

Saudi, Emirati, and Qatari leaders have warned Trump against military action on Iran’s nuclear facilities, voicing concerns over regional retaliation.

President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speak during a meeting at the Royal Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025 (AP)

During US President Donald Trump's recent visit to the Gulf, leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar urged restraint and strongly cautioned against any military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Axios reported on Thursday, citing three sources familiar with the talks.

According to the sources, the Gulf leaders emphasized the risks of regional retaliation and expressed support for renewed diplomatic efforts with Tehran.

Gulf states shift toward diplomacy on Iran

While Saudi Arabia and the UAE quietly supported "Israel's" push against the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and backed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's aggressive posture toward Tehran, their stance has evolved significantly, the report highlighted.

Today, those same countries are among the strongest advocates for diplomacy over confrontation.

All three leaders, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, stressed the need for continued negotiations with Iran and voiced their concerns about the consequences of a military strike, according to Axios.

Gulf leaders warn of retaliation risks

The report revealed that Gulf officials conveyed to Trump that any strike on Iranian nuclear facilities could spark immediate retaliation against US allies in the region, especially those hosting American military bases. All three countries host major US military installations.

A source with direct knowledge said that Qatar’s Emir al-Thani warned Trump that Gulf states “will be affected more than anybody else” in the event of an escalation.

Gulf recalibration post-2015 nuclear deal

The Gulf’s current diplomatic push marks a sharp departure from its opposition to the 2015 nuclear accord under former US President Barack Obama, the report indicated, noting that opposition stemmed partly from being excluded from negotiations.

Axios suggested that these states prioritize maintaining regional stability and advancing economic growth. It highlighted that both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have softened their positions on Iran’s regional activity, preferring engagement over confrontation.

Trump confirmed that during a call with Netanyahu, he had cautioned against any unilateral military action, reiterating his belief that the Iranian nuclear issue could be resolved through a strong diplomatic agreement, one he claimed could be signed within weeks.

Saudi visit to Tehran signals opposition to conflict

A rare visit to Tehran last month by Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman was seen as a clear signal of the kingdom’s opposition to military action, according to a former US official.

During the visit, bin Salman met with Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei, a gesture viewed by diplomats as part of Riyadh’s broader effort to de-escalate tensions and demonstrate openness to dialogue.

This visit followed a broader trend of regional rapprochement, including the March 2023 China-brokered deal between Tehran and Riyadh to restore diplomatic ties.