Saudi Crown Prince MBS urges Trump to ‘prioritise dialogue’ in US-Iran war

What Happened

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump on 13 April 2025, urging a prioritisation of dialogue and de-escalation in the US-Iran conflict. According to the Saudi Press Agency, MBS stressed the need to preserve Gulf security and prevent a wider conflict. Shortly after, Trump announced on Truth Social that he was halting planned strikes against Iran, citing 'the perimeters of a deal' that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end Iran's nuclear threat, with Israel joining the commitment. Iranian military officials dismissed the claim as 'nothing but a new lie' and said forces remained on high alert. The call came amid a war begun on 28 February 2025 by US and Israeli strikes on Iran's missile programme, with a June ceasefire collapsing over Strait of Hormuz shipping disputes, reigniting fighting in July.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Saudi intervention, reportedly driven by fear of Iranian retaliation against Gulf oil and gas facilities, underscores the kingdom's direct stake in preventing a broader war that could devastate regional energy infrastructure and disrupt the Strait of Hormuz. The US-Iran conflict has already seen drone attacks on Saudi oil sites and threats to shipping, with global economic repercussions. MBS's diplomacy, alongside other mediators, may be steering Trump towards negotiation, potentially breaking a cycle of military escalation and opening space for a lasting ceasefire.

Watch For

Whether the 'deal' Trump referenced materialises into formal negotiations, as mediators in Islamabad and Doha suggest talks could resume within days. Monitor any Iranian military responses despite the pause, the status of the Strait of Hormuz, and further diplomatic moves by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman. Also watch whether Israel's role in the commitment becomes clearer and if the US continues to hold back strikes.