 "What is Saudi Arabia’s ‘Trump’ card to stop Iran from going nuclear?")
Saudi Arabia is willing to help bridge US and Iranian diplomacy and broker a deal to limit Tehran’s nuclear programme, CNN has reported.
However, it was not confirmed whether Riyadh has formally made such a proposal to US. The report highlighted that the Kingdom was willing to stabilise ties with its former foe following the 2023 China-brokered truce.
Why is Saudi Arabia anxious?
According to reports, Riyadh is anxious about Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear bomb, especially when most of its regional allies stand weakened following intense fighting with Israel over the past two years—Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
Riyadh hopes that a nuclear deal can discourage Iran from developing a bomb, in exchange for economic carrots.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shares amicable ties with US President Donald Trump, something that the Kingdom wants to fully utilise in its favour and secure a seat at the negotiating table if talks take place.
Will Trump agree?
In early February, Trump said he wanted to negotiate a deal with the Shi’ite nation.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, he wrote, “I would much prefer a Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement, which will let Iran peacefully grow and prosper.” Earlier, Trump said he doesn’t want to be tough on Iran.
“We don’t want to be tough on Iran, we don’t want to be tough on anybody but they just can’t have a nuclear weapon,” said the US president.
However, there have been mixed reactions from Iran.
Following Trump’s offer, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last week said it was not “rational, intelligent, or honorable” to do so.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“Negotiations with America do not solve any of our problems,” Khamenei said.
However, overall statements from the White House and Iran have signalled a shift in tone during Trump’s second administration so far. Notably, during his first term, Trump unilaterally walked out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran in 2018.
Saudi Arabia in the spotlight
It is a testament to the growing influence of Riyadh that Trump is considering his first foreign visit here. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin may travel to Saudi Arabia to further peace initiative over the Ukraine war.
However, frictions may appear over Trump’s incendiary plan for Gaza, which apparently involves expelling its Palestinian population and a complete American takeover the strip.
Although Riyadh has swiftly rejected such a proposal by Trump, it won’t like to irk Trump beyond a limit either.
(With inputs from agencies)
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