Saudi Arabia is willing to mediate between the Trump administration and Iran for a new nuclear deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program. This initiative follows concerns over Tehran’s potential to develop nuclear weapons amidst its weakened regional proxies. Significantly, Saudi Arabia seeks to establish its diplomatic role while ensuring regional stability and prioritizing its economic interests in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Saudi Arabia has expressed its willingness to facilitate mediation between the Trump administration and Iran as both sides pursue a new nuclear agreement to restrict Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. This interest arises from concerns that Iran may be more inclined to develop a nuclear weapon given its weakened regional proxies, which historically provided it with deterrence against Israeli aggression. By leveraging its rapport with President Trump, Saudi Arabia aims to serve as a diplomatic intermediary for Iran to engage with the White House.
Although it remains uncertain whether Saudi Arabia has formally offered to mediate, the kingdom’s intent to enhance its diplomatic stance with Iran underscores its commitment to securing a role in negotiations. President Trump has indicated a desire for a new nuclear deal, but Iran’s response has been varied, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei recently labeling talks with the U.S. as “not smart.”
Saudi Arabia previously welcomed the 2015 nuclear agreement, but privately expressed dissatisfaction with the Obama administration’s failure to address threats posed by Iran, particularly its missile program and proxy forces. The kingdom endorsed Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the deal, which has since shaped its foreign policy framework focused on economic interests and regional stability.
Following a significant drone and missile attack attributed to an Iran-backed group that temporarily disrupted Saudi oil production, tensions have notably eased. In March 2023, the countries announced a normalization of relations in a China-mediated agreement, which many Saudi officials view as a diplomatic victory, as it has curtailed Houthi attacks and mitigated fears of broader conflict.
With regional dynamics shifting favorably for Saudi Arabia, officials believe there is a historic opportunity to lessen tensions with Iran and prioritize diplomatic engagements. The leadership in Riyadh perceives that a nuclear agreement could help mitigate Iran’s potential aggression, as a cornered regime may become more inclined to escalate its nuclear development.
Trump’s administration has signaled intent to formulate a new nuclear agreement with Iran while enforcing sanctions on its nuclear program. The President stated his preference for establishing a “Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement” that would permit Iran to prosper without the threat of nuclear weaponization, expressing a desire to organize a celebratory event for the signing of such an agreement.
The Iranian economy is under distress due to U.S. sanctions, prompting President Masoud Pezeshkian to advocate for improved relations with the West. Although Iranian officials have expressed openness to engage with the Trump administration, skepticism regarding the U.S.’s sincerity persists, especially after Khamenei’s dismissal of talks as “not wise.” Riyadh’s positioning suggests it aims to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape while distancing itself from aggressive U.S. policies towards Tehran.
Firas Maksad, a senior fellow, suggests that Saudi Arabia is attempting to diversify its foreign relations amidst its strategic partnership with the U.S. Notably, the dynamics between Saudi Arabia and Trump may be tested by the president’s contentious proposal regarding Gaza, which Saudi officials firmly rejected in favor of Palestinian statehood. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia’s influence within U.S. foreign policy is likely to strengthen as its engagement with Trump persists.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s willingness to mediate between the Trump administration and Iran reflects its strategic interests in addressing regional nuclear threats. While Trump seeks to negotiate a new nuclear agreement with Iran, mixed signals from Tehran complicate these efforts. Saudi Arabia aims to enhance its diplomatic role in the shifting regional dynamics to prevent further instability. The kingdom prioritizes its national security and economic stability as it navigates its relationship with the United States and Iran.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
