A senior Saudi official has claimed that a trio of Gulf nations – Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar – actively worked to dissuade former US President Donald Trump from authorizing a military strike against Iran in the final days of his presidency. The intervention, according to the official, was crucial in preventing a potential escalation of tensions in the region.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to avoid diplomatic repercussions, detailed how concerns over the timing and potential consequences of a strike were communicated directly to the Trump administration. These concerns centered around the risk of a wider conflict, the potential for Iranian retaliation, and the destabilizing effect it could have on regional economies already grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reported attempt to halt a strike occurred during a period of heightened animosity between the US and Iran, particularly following the assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in January 2020. Trump had repeatedly accused Iran of destabilizing activities in the Middle East and had threatened military action in response to perceived provocations.

While the specific nature of the proposed strike remains unclear, reports at the time suggested that Trump was considering targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. The Saudi official indicated that the Gulf states feared such an attack would trigger a cascade of events, leading to a full-blown war with devastating consequences for the region and global energy markets.

Diplomatic Efforts

The intervention wasn’t a direct order, but rather a concerted diplomatic effort. The official explained that representatives from the three Gulf states engaged in multiple conversations with senior members of the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and a renewed focus on diplomatic solutions. They presented detailed assessments of the potential fallout from a military strike, highlighting the risks to their own national security and economic interests.

The timing of this intervention is particularly noteworthy, as it coincided with the final weeks of Trump’s presidency and the transition to the Biden administration. The Gulf states were reportedly anxious to avoid being drawn into a conflict initiated by a departing administration, leaving the incoming administration to deal with the consequences.

The Biden administration has since adopted a different approach to Iran, seeking to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. However, negotiations have stalled, and tensions remain high. The Saudi official’s revelation provides a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes diplomatic maneuvering that took place during a critical period in US-Iran relations.

It also underscores the complex dynamics within the Gulf region, where Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while close allies of the US, have a vested interest in maintaining regional stability and avoiding a costly war with Iran. Qatar, which has often played a mediating role in regional disputes, shared similar concerns. The official stressed that the collective effort of these three nations was instrumental in averting what could have been a catastrophic outcome.

The White House has not yet commented on the Saudi official’s claims. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the extent of the Gulf states’ intervention and the details of the proposed strike.

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