Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Urges Trump to Prioritise Diplomacy as Iran Tensions Escalate

Saudi Arabia has called for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent the Middle East from descending into a wider conflict as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to intensify.

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Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made the appeal during a phone call with US President Donald Trump. He urged all parties to prioritise dialogue and reduce tensions through diplomacy.

The crown prince said regional stability depends on preventing further escalation. He warned that a broader conflict would threaten both regional and global security. The two leaders also reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed ways to strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Iran warns against further military action

Iran’s acting Defence Minister Majid Ibn al-Reza said Tehran treats every threat from its adversaries as credible. He added that Iran would continue strengthening its military readiness and deterrence capabilities.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also warned that Tehran would respond decisively to any new military action. During separate calls with officials from Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, he said any country supporting attacks on Iran would face a proportionate response.

Iranian media linked to the country’s security establishment warned that attacks on Iranian energy facilities could trigger retaliation against oil and gas infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Israel.

Trump pauses military strike

President Donald Trump said he had postponed a planned military strike on Iran to allow more time for negotiations.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump said Iran and several Middle Eastern countries had requested additional time to reach an agreement. He said the proposed deal aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Trump added that he would continue to suspend the attack if negotiations moved forward quickly.

US says diplomacy has gained momentum

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said recent American strikes had weakened Iran’s conventional military capabilities.

In an interview with Fox News, Rubio claimed the military pressure had encouraged Tehran to engage in negotiations over its nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz. However, he acknowledged that Iran still possesses missiles and drones capable of causing damage.

Strait of Hormuz remains a global concern

The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the crisis because it carries a significant share of global oil exports.

Security concerns continue to disrupt shipping through the waterway. As a result, oil prices have remained elevated and analysts expect continued market volatility while diplomatic efforts continue.