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 ongoing conflict involving Iran. The meeting underscores growing international concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and potential wider regional instability.
According to officials familiar with the talks, a key challenge lies in identifying an Iranian counterpart willing to negotiate, given the recent loss of senior leaders during the conflict.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Egyptian intelligence officials established a communication channel with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. They proposed a five-day ceasefire intended to “build confidence” and facilitate a potential resolution to the war.
These initial discussions reportedly created a slight opening for diplomatic progress, offering a glimmer of hope for halting the conflict and mitigating its devastating consequences across the region.
On Saturday evening, then-President Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or facing potential strikes against Iranian energy facilities.
Yet, after two days, and with news of the Riyadh talks reaching the White House, Trump reportedly softened his stance and engaged in diplomatic dialogue with Tehran, according to the Wall Street Journal. He suspended or delayed his threatened military action.
The Wall Street Journal reported that this shift in Trump’s position followed a series of closed-door conversations with Middle Eastern mediators, which U.S. Officials said fostered optimism about reaching a settlement.
The change likewise reflected a growing desire among Trump and some of his advisors to finish the war, sources said, given the political and economic repercussions the conflict was creating for the United States.
Trump was informed on Saturday about the possibility of talks with Iran and reportedly expressed openness to the idea, according to a senior administration official.
White House spokesperson Carolyn Levitt stated, “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 was for Pakistan to host a meeting between senior U.S. And Iranian leaders, officials said, adding that the United States quickly welcomed the idea.
A U.S. Official indicated that the United States might send envoys Stephen 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 exit the country at this stage to join the talks, particularly if Vance does not attend, according to the Wall Street Journal.
