Saudi Warned Iran: Make a Deal with Trump or Risk Israeli Attack

Saudi Warned Iran: Make a Deal with Trump or Risk Israeli Attack

     Last month, Saudi Arabia's defense minister delivered a strong message to Iranian officials in Tehran: take U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer of a nuclear deal seriously, as it could help prevent a potential war with Israel.

     Concerned about growing instability in the region, Saudi King Salman sent his son, Prince Khalid bin Salman, to convey this warning directly to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The information comes from two sources close to Gulf governments and two Iranian officials.

     About a week ago, President Trump surprised many observers by announcing his willingness to engage in direct talks with Iran. The proposed deal aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for easing some economic sanctions. Trump made this announcement during a meeting in Washington with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was lobbying for U.S. support in the event of potential Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

     According to four sources, Prince Khalid told senior Iranian officials that Trump’s team was looking for a quick resolution and that the window for diplomacy would not remain open for long.

     Iranian officials did not respond to questions before the news was published. Afterward, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei strongly denied the Reuters report. Saudi officials also declined to comment.

Source

Reuters. (2020, September 17). Exclusive: Saudi warned Iran to reach nuclear deal with Trump or risk Israeli strike. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-nuclear-saudi-insight-idUSKBN2681D9