Saudi Arabia urges Trump to give Iran diplomacy more time as U.S. weighs renewed strikes after midterms

Saudi Arabia has urged President Donald Trump not to rush into a renewed war with Iran and to give regional diplomacy more time, as Gulf mediators intensify efforts to restart negotiations before a possible new U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign.

Saudi officials delivered the message to the White House after senior Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani security officials visited Tehran this week, Axios reported, citing a U.S. official.

The delegation pressed Iranian officials to consider proposals being advanced by Qatar to bridge differences between Washington and Tehran, including possible renewed access for U.N. nuclear inspectors and concessions over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.

Iran has sought relief from the U.S. naval blockade and the release of frozen funds before making further nuclear concessions, while Washington has demanded restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear program.

After the Tehran meetings, Saudi officials told the White House that Iranian leaders were concerned about the possibility of a major U.S.-Israeli attack after the Nov. 3 midterm elections and asked Trump to allow negotiations more time.

Trump told Axios on Wednesday that talks with Iran were taking place through intermediaries but said he did not know whether they would succeed.

“We need to finish the job — either through a deal or another way,” Trump said.

Qatar is leading the mediation effort with support from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt, while U.S. and Israeli forces continue preparations for the possibility of renewed strikes.