US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: US President Donald Trump is reportedly increasing diplomatic efforts to secure support from key Middle Eastern nations for a proposed US-Iran agreement aimed at ending the ongoing Iran conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
According to an Axios report, Trump held phone conversations on Saturday with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain as talks between Washington and Tehran continued to progress.
The proposed agreement is being viewed as a major diplomatic breakthrough that could reduce tensions across the Middle East and restore critical global energy shipping routes after months of military escalation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Donald Trump Secures Support From Gulf Leaders for US-Iran Deal Talks
According to the report, some of the leaders in the region, such as Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of UAE, gave their backing to Trump’s plan for diplomacy despite having disagreements over the Iran policies earlier. “‘They said, ‘We’re with you on this deal. And even if this deal fails, we’re going to be with you too,’” a US official was cited as saying.
Separately, The Associated Press noted that the US and Iran were close to agreeing on a possible cease-fire arrangement that would see Iran giving away its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, although there is a lot of hope, it looks like Trump urged the diplomats “not to rush into a deal.”
Donald Trump Raises Abraham Accords Expansion During Iran War Talks
According to Axios, another topic discussed by Trump in the talks was the expansion of Abraham Accords. In these discussions, Trump reportedly urged regional leaders that countries without diplomatic relations with Israel should think about normalization after the end of conflict with Iran.
The report indicated that the leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan seemed shocked at this proposal as they do not officially recognize Israel. This shock reportedly led to a “silence on the line” before Trump made a joke and asked all of them whether they were still on the call.
Trump also informed leaders that his aides, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, will further discuss the matter in coming weeks. As per Axios, Trump went on to propose that Iran be a part of Abraham Accords in the future. This is seen as a highly improbable scenario since Iran has been in strong opposition against Israel throughout its history.
US-Iran Nuclear Deal May Include Uranium Transfer and Sanctions Relief
According to the Associated Press report, the proposed US-Iran deal can involve the latter being required to hand over the country’s stockpile of highly-enriched uranium in order to reach a broader nuclear deal.
According to the sources cited by the agency in question, the issue will reportedly be resolved during the proposed 60-day implementation process. It is reported that some of the material might be diluted while the rest would reportedly be shipped abroad. Russia reportedly offered to store the uranium stockpile.
Furthermore, it was warned that Iran would not get any sanctions lifted unless it gave up all the materials. The Associated Press added that currently the Islamic Republic possessed around 440.9 kilograms of uranium that was enriched to as much as 60 per cent. It is believed that that amount is already close enough to weapons grade enrichment. As Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated, Tehran would “assure the world that we are not after a nuclear weapon.” Iran had been claiming that its nuclear programme is solely peaceful.
Strait of Hormuz Reopening Remains Central to US-Iran Ceasefire Talks
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz can be considered one of the key points in the agreement that is being prepared. There were very significant disruptions to the operation of the channel due to the strikes launched by the USA and Israel against Iran on February 28, which led to regional turmoil.
Under this agreement, the Strait would supposedly start opening up slowly, in addition to the gradual reduction of the blockade imposed by the US on Iran. According to energy experts cited in the article from AP, it will take some time for the oil and natural gas markets to stabilize, despite the full reopening of routes. It is further stated that within the framework of this agreement, the US government may lift sanctions against Iran to allow it to resume oil supplies.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Saudi Arabia Maintains Tough Position on Israel Normalisation
According to Axios, the American President Trump reportedly encouraged Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to become part of the Abraham Accords during a White House meeting last November.
Nevertheless, the Saudi official reportedly declined the suggestion. Axios noted that the existing Iran war and heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have made Saudi Arabia adopt a more conservative attitude towards the current Israeli government.
As per the report, the Saudi authorities have continued to demand that the Israeli government should show commitment to the “irreversible and time-bound” process that will eventually lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Axios further indicated that neither US nor Israeli officials expected the Saudis to take any diplomatic action until after September when new Israeli elections will be held.
On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that he and Trump were in agreement that any deal with Iran must ensure the elimination of the nuclear threat to Israel and its right to defend itself from any threats coming from Hezbollah located in Lebanon.
