Saudi Arabia has recently issued an unusually strong and direct warning to the Iranian regime: accept U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for a new nuclear agreement—or face the consequences, which may include an Israeli military strike. The Saudis expressed concern over a possible escalation in the region and fear that an Israeli attack could trigger a broader conflict the Middle East cannot withstand.
In their message, the Saudis emphasized that reaching a deal with Trump is preferable to entering a war with Israel.
According to a report published today (Friday) by Reuters, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, visited Tehran earlier this month and delivered the warning directly to senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Risking an Israeli Strike
According to the report, Khalid bin Salman made it clear that Saudi Arabia is not interested in another war in the Middle East. However, it sees Iran’s provocations—particularly the continued advancement of its nuclear program—as an existential threat that could ignite a chain reaction.
An explicit warning of a potential Israeli strike was reportedly made during the meeting. One source quoted: “If you continue to ignore the American offer, you are putting yourselves at risk of an Israeli attack.”
Iran Shows Interest in a Deal
According to Reuters sources, Iran—under severe economic pressure from sanctions and the setbacks suffered by its proxies Hamas and Hezbollah—is showing interest in a nuclear deal.
President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly responded during the meeting that Iran is willing to negotiate an agreement that would ease economic sanctions. Mohanad Hage Ali, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center, explained to Reuters that Iran’s weakened regional position gives Saudi Arabia room to exert diplomatic pressure and attempt to avoid conflict: “The Saudis understand that a war would harm them too—both economically and in terms of their development vision.”
The Dispute – Uranium Enrichment
Despite mutual interest in a deal, one key issue remains unresolved: uranium enrichment on Iranian soil.
By enriching uranium to 60%, Iran comes dangerously close to weapons-grade levels. The United States sees this as an immediate threat and is demanding that Iran halt such enrichment entirely—especially within its own territory. Tehran, however, argues it has the right to develop this technology for peaceful purposes and refuses to give it up.
