In a bid to de-escalate the most intense military confrontation in decades between Iran and Israel, Tehran has turned to Gulf Arab allies — Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman — to pressure former U.S. President Donald Trump into using his influence to mediate a ceasefire.
According to two Iranian and three regional sources, Iran has conveyed through backchannels that it is willing to show flexibility in stalled nuclear negotiations if a ceasefire is secured with Israel. This move comes as regional and global stakeholders scramble to prevent a full-blown war in the Middle East.
Over the weekend, Gulf leaders and top diplomats reportedly held nonstop communications — liaising with Tehran, Washington, and each other — in a desperate attempt to avoid the expansion of hostilities. “Everyone is working the phones. The risk of uncontrollable escalation is real,” a Gulf source close to government officials told Reuters.
Iran’s Condition: No Talks Under Fire
One Iranian source confirmed Tehran’s position: “Iran is willing to be flexible in the nuclear talks if a ceasefire is reached. But we won’t negotiate while under attack.” Officials briefed on the ongoing contacts say Iran has made it clear to Oman and Qatar that any diplomatic re-engagement — particularly regarding its nuclear programme — must come *after* Israeli strikes have stopped and Tehran’s retaliation is complete.
Iran reached out specifically to Qatar and Oman to mediate a return to nuclear negotiations. Both Gulf nations, along with Saudi Arabia, have appealed to Washington to pressure Israel into halting its offensive.
Israel Unmoved by Diplomatic Push
Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi appeared dismissive of the diplomatic overtures. When asked on Army Radio whether a ceasefire mechanism was being explored, Hanegbi responded, “It is a little early for that. You don’t go to war and look to end it three days later.”
Israel initiated the latest round of conflict with a surprise dawn attack on Friday, targeting Iran’s top military leadership and striking key nuclear infrastructure. The Israeli government maintains the operation is ongoing and necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability — a claim Iran firmly denies, insisting its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only.
