Saudi Arabia has been strengthening direct contact with Iran to try to contain the war in the Middle East, which has caused havoc in the region and increased tension in global markets, according to European officials.
In recent days, Saudi diplomats have activated the reserved channel with Tehran more frequently and urgently to try to lower the temperature of the conflict and avoid an escalation, said these sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are sensitive negotiations. According to them, several European and Middle Eastern countries support this initiative.
The talks involve intelligence services and diplomats, but it is unclear whether higher-ranking officials are also taking part. So far, Iran has shown little willingness to negotiate with the United States or Israel. The Saudi Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Iran has been reacting to attacks by the US and Israel, which began on February 28, with missile fire and drone strikes. Gulf countries have asked Tehran to refrain from attacking them and both Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have already made it clear that they will not allow the US and Israel to use their territory or airspace for offensives against the Islamic Republic.
Publicly, both the US and Israel and Iran say the conflict will continue. American President Donald Trump said on Friday that he only accepts Tehran’s “unconditional surrender”.
Historically, the Gulf’s Sunni monarchies have maintained tense relations with Shiite-majority Iran. Even so, in recent years, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been trying to achieve rapprochement and, before hostilities began, they advocated for Iran to reach a diplomatic agreement with the US in negotiations mediated by Oman.
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