Saudi Crown Prince Blocks US Strike on Iran Despite UAE Pressure to Escalate

Recent reports reveal a divide among Gulf states regarding a planned US military strike on Iran. According to the Wall Street Journal, the United Arab Emirates pushed former President Donald Trump to carry out a broad attack against Iran, with Gulf insiders indicating that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards would not relent unless the US escalated, took control of the Strait of Hormuz, and even considered a ground invasion.

However, Saudi Arabia, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, opposed the strike and successfully influenced Trump to cancel it. The Associated Press reported that bin Salman privately expressed concerns that US attacks on Iranian energy facilities would provoke retaliatory strikes on Saudi and other Gulf oil and gas infrastructure.

In addition to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Pakistan have recently worked to promote de-escalation and revive negotiations. Although the UAE was previously said to support calming tensions, the new American report contradicts those claims.

In a surprise announcement, Trump stated he called off the planned strike after Iran and other Middle Eastern countries requested restraint and outlined preliminary terms for a possible deal. Trump emphasized that the US remains prepared to act with unprecedented military force but agreed to halt the attack to pursue a swift agreement. The proposed deal reportedly includes the immediate and complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. Trump framed the decision as benefiting global stability and Iran’s future prosperity, contingent on quickly reaching a final agreement.