Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman delivered a warning to Iranian officials during a visit to Tehran last month, urging them to take US President Donald Trump’s offer of nuclear negotiations seriously to avoid the threat of military escalation from Israel. The message was conveyed in a closed-door meeting at Iran’s presidential compound on April 17, attended by top Iranian officials including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Prince Khalid, who previously served as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Washington, emphasized Trump’s lack of patience for prolonged diplomacy and the closing window for reaching an agreement. The prince’s visit marked the first by a senior Saudi royal to Iran in over two decades, highlighting Riyadh’s concerns over escalating regional tensions.
The warning came shortly after Trump publicly confirmed direct talks with Tehran aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. This announcement was made in the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had travelled to Washington seeking support for potential strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Saudi Arabia’s message to Iran underscored the urgency of a swift deal to prevent the risk of war and avert potential Israeli military action. The visit by Prince Khalid was seen as a significant diplomatic move by Saudi Arabia in an effort to address the growing tensions in the region.
