Riyadh Requests Pause in Trump Decision on Iran Strike
Saudi officials have asked the White House for more time to negotiate, citing fears of retaliation against critical energy and water infrastructure.
By Stephen Collins ·
Saudi Arabia has requested that the Trump administration delay a final decision on military action against Iran.
Two regional sources told The Jerusalem Post that senior Saudi officials asked senior US counterparts to allow diplomacy more time. The request aims to prevent a hasty launch of strikes while negotiations remain active.
Riyadh fears that an immediate US attack could trigger retaliation from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian military. The Saudi government is particularly concerned about threats to its water and electricity systems. Officials also worry about attacks on facilities linked to the oil and energy sectors.
A delegation from the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement traveled to Tehran several days ago. The group included representatives from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud joined the mission. The delegation met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei.
During these talks, Saudis asked Iran to avoid targeting key oil and gas facilities if the conflict resumes. The source said Iranian officials refused to make that commitment. In March, during Operation Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury, Tehran launched missiles and drones at targets in Saudi Arabia. Iran halted the attacks after Riyadh warned that the strikes crossed a red line and that Saudi Arabia would be forced to retaliate.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
