Saudi Arabia aims to mediate a new agreement between the Trump administration and Iran concerning Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Fears exist within Riyadh that Iran may pursue nuclear weapons as its regional allies weaken. While Trump has expressed a desire for negotiation, Iranian leaders remain skeptical about engagement with the U.S. following previous agreements.
Saudi Arabia is seeking to act as a mediator between the Trump administration and Iran to establish a new agreement aimed at addressing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, as highlighted in a CNN report. Concerns have risen among Saudi officials that Iran may be increasingly inclined to develop nuclear weapons, especially as Iran’s regional allies have diminished in strength. In light of these developments, Saudi Arabia perceives a new agreement as a crucial step toward preventing this potential threat.
Historically, Saudi Arabia endorsed the 2015 nuclear pact between Iran and the major world powers but later supported President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the agreement in 2018. Following the U.S. exit, a significant drone and missile strike targeted Saudi Arabia’s oil facilities, reducing production markedly. Although the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility, the U.S. attributed the attack to Iran, yet refrained from military retribution.
Despite previous tensions, Saudi-Iran relations have notably improved since early 2023, when the two nations reestablished diplomatic ties through a deal facilitated by China. CNN’s report indicates that Saudi officials hold the viewpoint that if Iran feels cornered, it may be more likely to pursue nuclear armament, making the ideal of a new agreement all the more urgent.
Since assuming office again, President Trump has consistently voiced his preference for negotiating a new deal with Iran. In a recent post on Truth Social, he stated, “I want Iran to be a great and successful Country, but one that cannot have a Nuclear Weapon.” Furthermore, he expressed a desire for a “Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement” that would foster peaceful growth for Iran while preventing nuclear capability.
Nevertheless, skepticism remains prevalent within Iran regarding Trump’s intentions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently questioned his sincerity concerning a potential nuclear agreement. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated doubts about negotiations with the U.S., labeling them as “not smart, wise, or honorable” due to America’s prior withdrawal from the deal, although he did not completely dismiss future dialogue with the Trump administration.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s initiative to mediate a new agreement with Iran reflects growing concerns over Iran’s nuclear pursuits and the evolving geopolitical landscape. As relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran improve, the prospect of a new deal remains uncertain due to mixed signals from Iranian leadership. The situation underscores the complexities inherent in diplomacy, particularly regarding nuclear non-proliferation efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
