Saudi Arabia has asked former President Donald Trump to delay any potential actions against Iran, according to reports. The request comes as regional tensions continue to simmer across the Middle East.
The request
Reports indicate that Saudi officials reached out to Trump directly. They asked him to hold off on moves that could escalate the situation with Iran. The exact nature of the actions Trump might have been considering is not specified in the reports. But the Saudi request suggests Riyadh is worried about the fallout from any unilateral U.S. step.
The kingdom has long been a key U.S. ally in the region. Its relationship with Iran is deeply strained. Saudi Arabia and Iran have backed opposing sides in conflicts from Yemen to Syria. Any new confrontation between Washington and Tehran could put Riyadh in a difficult spot.
Why now
Regional tensions have been simmering for months. Iran's nuclear program continues to advance. Its proxies have stepped up attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. The Houthis in Yemen, backed by Iran, have targeted Saudi infrastructure. Against that backdrop, Saudi Arabia appears to be trying to prevent a wider war.
The request to Trump is notable because he is not currently in office. He is a former president and a candidate for the 2024 election. That means his ability to order military action is limited. But he still wields influence within the Republican Party and could shape U.S. policy if he returns to the White House. The Saudi outreach suggests Riyadh is looking ahead.
Trump's position
Trump has a mixed record on Iran. During his presidency, he pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal and ordered the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. He also pursued a maximum pressure campaign. But he has also said he wants to avoid new wars. His current stance on Iran is unclear. The reports do not say how Trump responded to the Saudi request.
It is also unclear whether the Biden administration was aware of the Saudi move. The White House has its own approach to Iran, including efforts to revive the nuclear deal. Those talks have stalled. Any action by Trump could complicate Biden's strategy.
The reports do not specify a timeline. It is not known if Trump has agreed to the request. The situation remains fluid. Saudi Arabia is likely to continue its diplomatic push, both with the U.S. and with other regional players. The kingdom has also been talking to Iran directly in recent months, with Chinese mediation. Those talks have not produced a breakthrough.
For now, the ball is in Trump's court. Whether he chooses to act or hold back will depend on his own calculations. The region watches closely.
