Saudis to Iran: Take Trump’s Deal—or ELSE!
Saudi Arabia has delivered a blunt warning to Iran: accept former President Trump’s nuclear deal offer or face a possible Israeli military strike—a message revealing shifting Middle East alliances and the high stakes of regional diplomacy.
At a Glance
Saudi defense minister urged Iran to accept Trump’s nuclear deal to avoid Israeli airstrikes
The warning came during Prince Khalid bin Salman’s first official visit to Tehran in over 20 years
Trump administration claims it is close to finalizing a new nuclear deal with Iran
Israeli officials have threatened unilateral action if diplomacy fails
Talks center on uranium enrichment, sanctions relief, and regional security terms
Historic Saudi-Iran Dialogue Raises Pressure
Saudi Arabia’s defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, made headlines during a landmark visit to Tehran—the first by a Saudi royal in over two decades—where he warned Iranian leaders to take President Donald Trump’s nuclear offer seriously. Citing growing regional concerns, Prince Khalid reportedly conveyed that rejecting the deal could provoke Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
The warning was delivered during meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, marking a new chapter in Saudi-Iran relations following a China-brokered thaw in 2023. Observers believe Riyadh’s message reflects its desire to avoid conflict that could jeopardize its economic modernization agenda.
Watch a report: Saudi tells Iran: Reach nuke deal with US or risk Israel strike.
Trump Administration Claims “Deal Near”
The Trump administration, which re-entered talks with Tehran earlier this year, insists that progress is being made. “We are very close to a solution now,” Trump recently stated, hinting that a resolution could emerge “in the next two days.” Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt added that “President Trump has made it clear: make a deal, or face grave consequences,” underscoring the former president’s hardline posture.
The emerging deal reportedly addresses uranium enrichment limits, disposal of near-bomb-grade material, phased sanctions relief, and regional security guarantees. Iran, facing economic strain and diminished regional clout, appears interested but wary of concessions that could weaken its nuclear leverage.
Israel’s Military Threat Shadows Diplomacy
Meanwhile, Israel’s stance threatens to derail talks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced frustration with the pace and terms of negotiations, allegedly preparing unilateral strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Sources suggest Trump has urged Netanyahu to delay military action until talks conclude—but Israeli officials remain skeptical.
Watch a report: Trump issues stark warning to Israel over plans to attack Iran’s nuclear sites.
Tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv have flared behind the scenes, highlighting diverging threat perceptions. While Trump seeks a headline foreign policy win, Netanyahu is focused on eliminating perceived existential risks regardless of diplomatic fallout.
Riyadh’s Strategic Balancing Act
Saudi Arabia’s involvement adds a third dimension. Its warning to Iran not only serves U.S. interests but also signals Riyadh’s effort to solidify its new diplomatic role. Saudi officials reportedly assured Iran that Saudi soil won’t be used for attacks—but warned against any moves that might provoke a broader confrontation.
For Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the stakes are clear: regional war would endanger his ambitious Vision 2030 economic agenda. Encouraging a peaceful resolution aligns with his long-term goals—even as Riyadh subtly reinforces deterrence.
Whether Iran heeds the warning or doubles down on resistance could determine whether diplomacy prevails—or the region plunges back into conflict over nuclear brinkmanship.