• Saudi Arabia welcomes the U.S. decision to pursue diplomacy with Iran, granting an additional opportunity for negotiations.
  • The kingdom has leveraged its improving ties with Iran and Washington to mediate and reduce regional tensions.
  • Talks between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Oman, are seen as a constructive beginning, with further discussions expected.

Saudi Arabia has expressed appreciation for the U.S. President's response to give Iran another chance at the negotiating table, according to people familiar with the matter. The comments come after President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. and Iran held productive indirect talks in Oman on February 6—the first direct negotiations since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran last summer.

“We are grateful for the administration’s willingness to pursue a diplomatic path,” said a Saudi official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The alternative would be catastrophic for the entire region.”

Riyadh, along with Turkey and the UAE, has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts to prevent a U.S.–Iran military confrontation. Saudi Arabia’s growing political weight, bolstered by deepening security ties with Washington, gives it unique leverage in the Middle East. The kingdom opposes further military action at this stage and wants a deal, according to people familiar with Riyadh’s thinking.

Iran’s top diplomat, Araqchi, called the Oman talks a “constructive beginning” with consensus to continue. Tehran is preparing a framework for negotiations, though deep rifts remain over nuclear enrichment.

Oil markets have welcomed the diplomatic opening, with crude prices moderating on reduced war risk. Analysts say continued diplomacy helps stabilize global prices, while a breakdown would likely spike them significantly.

The 2015 JCPOA collapsed after the U.S. withdrew in 2018, and current talks aim to prevent war rather than immediately revive that agreement. Saudi Arabia asked Iran in November 2025 to help revive stalled nuclear talks, and the kingdom has positioned itself as a potential mediator.

“Diplomacy is progressing, but war fears persist if talks fail,” said a regional analyst. “Saudi Arabia’s role is critical in bridging divides.”

Additional indirect talks are expected in the coming weeks, with a potential framework for understanding likely to be established. The success of this diplomatic track could lead to a new nuclear agreement; failure increases the risk of conflict in the Gulf.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the date of the indirect talks. The correct date is February 6, 2026.