Riyadh: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) reportedly urged US President Donald Trump to refrain from launching large-scale military strikes against Iran, as diplomatic efforts gathered momentum to prevent the Middle East conflict from escalating into a wider regional war. The reported intervention came amid growing concerns among Gulf nations that further military action could endanger critical energy infrastructure, disrupt global oil supplies, and deepen instability across the region.
According to reports by Axios, citing US officials and sources familiar with the matter, the Saudi Crown Prince spoke with President Trump over the phone and sought clarity regarding Washington’s military plans. During the conversation, MBS is said to have encouraged the US administration to pursue diplomatic solutions instead of expanding military operations against Iranian targets.
According to the report, Saudi Arabia expressed concerns that any large-scale American offensive could provoke retaliatory attacks by Iran against Gulf energy facilities, including oil installations in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries. Such attacks could have significant implications for global energy markets, given the Gulf region’s central role in international oil exports.
Neither the White House nor the Saudi Embassy in Washington officially commented on the reported conversation.
The telephone discussion reportedly followed an earlier meeting between President Trump and Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. During his visit to Washington, the Saudi defence minister is said to have conveyed Riyadh’s preference for de-escalation during meetings with US Vice President JD Vance and other senior American officials.
Reports suggest that despite occasional policy differences, Saudi Arabia has continued to play an important diplomatic role behind the scenes throughout the ongoing conflict. Riyadh has reportedly maintained regular communication with Washington while simultaneously encouraging efforts aimed at preventing a broader regional confrontation.
Only hours after the reported conversation with the Saudi Crown Prince, President Trump announced that the United States would pause plans for additional military strikes. Posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump claimed that mediators had established the broad parameters of a possible agreement intended to bring an end to the conflict.
According to Trump, the proposed framework would include the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and measures aimed at addressing concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme. He stated that although the United States remained fully prepared for military action, his administration had decided to suspend the planned attacks to provide an opportunity for negotiations to succeed.
However, officials involved in the mediation process cautioned that no final agreement has yet been reached. Multiple international news agencies reported that negotiations remain ongoing and several critical issues continue to be discussed.
According to regional officials quoted by the Associated Press, the proposed diplomatic framework includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending attacks across the region, including those involving Iranian-backed armed groups in Iraq, and resuming negotiations between Washington and Tehran regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran, however, disputed parts of President Trump’s public statements. Iranian authorities reportedly denied requesting the United States to halt military action and rejected suggestions that direct negotiations had already been initiated. Tehran maintained that its armed forces remain on high alert and prepared to respond to any military threat.
Meanwhile, diplomatic activity across the Middle East intensified as several regional powers sought to prevent further escalation. Countries including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Pakistan reportedly engaged in consultations with both Washington and Tehran, urging restraint and encouraging continued negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly held separate discussions with Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan regarding the evolving regional situation. According to official statements, Iran warned that any hostile military action by the United States or Israel, or cooperation by regional countries in such operations, would invite what Tehran described as a “decisive and proportionate response.”
Qatar and Oman also continued mediation efforts, with officials engaging separately with Iranian representatives and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in an attempt to secure an agreement for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes.
Observers note that the Strait of Hormuz remains central to the current crisis, with any prolonged disruption carrying the potential to affect international energy prices and global trade. The possibility of Iranian retaliation against Gulf oil infrastructure has heightened concerns among regional governments, prompting renewed diplomatic engagement aimed at preventing the conflict from widening.
Despite signs of diplomatic progress, violence elsewhere in the Middle East continued. Reports indicated that Israeli military operations in Gaza remained ongoing, with casualties reported even as discussions over broader regional de-escalation continued. Israeli officials also reportedly conveyed security concerns regarding certain proposed arrangements to the United States.
Analysts believe Saudi Arabia’s reported intervention reflects the broader strategic calculations of Gulf states, which seek to balance security concerns with economic stability. With the region’s energy infrastructure and maritime trade routes remaining highly vulnerable, regional powers appear increasingly focused on preventing another major military escalation that could have far-reaching geopolitical and economic consequences.
