Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan convened in Riyadh early Thursday for discussions aimed at finding a diplomatic path to de-escalate the conflict in Iran, according to reports.
A key challenge in initiating talks, officials familiar with the discussions told an American newspaper, is identifying a viable Iranian counterpart given the loss of senior leaders during the ongoing war. The situation highlights the complexities of negotiating with a nation embroiled in conflict and facing internal upheaval.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Egyptian intelligence officials established a communication channel with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, proposing a five-day ceasefire intended to “build confidence” and potentially lead to a resolution of the conflict. This development suggests a proactive effort by regional actors to mediate a peaceful outcome.
According to the newspaper, these initial conversations paved the way for some diplomatic progress, offering a glimmer of hope for ending the war and mitigating its devastating consequences for the Middle East.
On Saturday evening, President Trump issued a final 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening military destruction of Iranian energy facilities if the demand was not met.
However, two days later, with news of the Riyadh talks reaching the White House, Trump reportedly reversed course, engaging in diplomatic dialogue with Tehran, according to the report, and suspending or postponing his threats of military strikes.
The Wall Street Journal stated that this shift in Trump’s position on Monday morning followed a series of closed-door discussions with Middle Eastern mediators, which American officials said gave them hope for a potential settlement. The change in stance reflects a growing desire among Trump and some of his advisors to bring the conflict to an complete, given the political and economic repercussions the President is facing as a result of the situation.
Trump was reportedly informed on Saturday of the possibility of talks with Iran and expressed receptiveness, according to a senior administration official who spoke with the newspaper.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said: “These are sensitive diplomatic conversations, and the United States will not negotiate through the media. The situation is fluid and speculation about meetings should not be considered final until officially announced by the White House.”
During informal discussions last week, regional leaders focused particularly on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which approximately 20 percent of global oil exports pass, which Iran had disrupted.
Among the proposals considered was hosting a meeting between senior American and Iranian leaders in Pakistan, officials said, adding that the United States quickly welcomed the idea.
An American official stated that the United States might send envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with the possibility of Vice President J.D. Vance attending if an agreement appeared likely.
Conversely, Tehran could send Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to the potential meeting, although Iranian officials indicated a reluctance to repeat previous unsuccessful negotiations between Araghchi and Witkoff.
It remains unclear whether Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf would be willing to leave the country at this stage and join the talks, particularly if Vance does not attend, according to the Wall Street Journal.
