"In recent days, Saudi officials have deployed their diplomatic backchannel to Iran with greater urgency to de-escalate tensions and prevent the conflict from worsening, the officials said, asking not to be named discussing private and sensitive conversations. Several European and Middle Eastern nations are backing these efforts, according to these officials."
"The Saudis are in communication with the Iranian ambassador to Riyadh on a near daily basis to reiterate that the kingdom's territory is not being used by the US or anyone else to attack Iran, said another person with knowledge of the situation. Saudi Arabia is also saying to Iran that if it keeps up its attacks, the kingdom may be forced to retaliate."
"Still, Saudi authorities don't have high confidence they can stop the war at this stage, the person said. Iran has responded to US-Israel strikes that began on Feb. 28 with missile and drone attacks of its own."
Saudi Arabia has activated urgent diplomatic channels with Iran to contain escalating Middle East conflict and stabilize global markets. Saudi officials communicate with Iran's ambassador in Riyadh nearly daily, emphasizing that Saudi territory is not being used for attacks on Iran while warning of potential retaliation if Iranian attacks continue. The diplomatic efforts involve security agencies and diplomats, with support from several European and Middle Eastern nations. However, Saudi authorities express limited confidence in preventing further conflict. Iran has shown reluctance to negotiate with the US or Israel, responding to recent strikes with missile and drone attacks. Gulf states have collectively affirmed their right to self-defense while urging Iran to avoid retaliating against them.
#saudi-iran-diplomacy #middle-east-conflict-de-escalation #regional-security-tensions #gulf-cooperation-council #us-israel-iran-tensions
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