Saudi Arabia has increased its direct communications with Iran in an effort to curb a Middle East war that is creating widespread disruption, as reported by multiple European officials.
According to these officials, who requested anonymity due to the private and sensitive nature of the discussions, Saudi diplomats have in recent days utilized their backchannel to Tehran with heightened urgency to reduce tensions and stop the conflict from escalating. They stated that several European and Middle Eastern countries are supporting these initiatives.
The discussions have included security personnel and diplomats, they noted, though it remains uncertain if more senior officials have participated. To date, Iran has demonstrated minimal willingness to engage in negotiations with the United States or Israel.
Another informed source said Saudi representatives are speaking with the Iranian ambassador in Riyadh almost daily to reaffirm that the kingdom’s territory is not being utilized by the U.S. or any other party to launch attacks against Iran. The source added that Saudi Arabia is also warning Iran that continued assaults could compel the kingdom to respond. However, Saudi officials reportedly have low confidence in their ability to halt the war at this point.
The Saudi foreign ministry did not reply to requests for comment.
Iran has countered U.S.-Israeli strikes that commenced on February 28 with its own missile and drone attacks. Gulf nations have called on Iran to refrain from targeting them, and countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have stated that the U.S. and Israel cannot use their airspace or territory for strikes against Iran.
The Gulf Cooperation Council, of which Saudi Arabia is a member, declared last weekend that its members asserted their right to act in “self-defense, either individually or collectively” against Iran.
Currently, the U.S., Israel, and Iran are all publicly stating that the war will persist. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he would only accept Tehran’s “unconditional surrender.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded on Saturday, saying the U.S. “must take such a dream to the grave.”
Sunni Arab states in the Gulf have historically maintained strained relations with Shia-majority Iran. Nevertheless, in recent years, Saudi Arabia and the UAE had been pursuing improved ties and, prior to the outbreak of hostilities, were eager for Iran to reach a diplomatic agreement with the U.S. through Omani-mediated talks.