The leaders of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia have expressed strong opposition to potential US or Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, according to a report by Axios citing informed sources.
During recent meetings with US President Donald Trump, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman voiced concerns about the consequences of military action against Iran. They reportedly urged Trump to continue pursuing a diplomatic resolution through a new nuclear deal.
The Gulf leaders emphasized the risks of retaliation against their own countries, which host American military bases. According to the report, Sheikh Tamim warned that Gulf states would suffer the most in the event of a strike on Iran.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar also raised alarms over a possible unilateral strike by Israel, while the UAE stressed that diplomacy should remain the preferred course of action. All three leaders expressed their support for Trump’s efforts to revive talks with Tehran, Axios reported.
Last week, President Trump stated that he had advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against any action that might undermine US–Iran nuclear negotiations.
On May 21, CNN reported that Israel was actively preparing for a potential strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, citing rising urgency in Israeli planning circles. Analysts suggested such an attack could either force Tehran into concessions or derail ongoing negotiations altogether.
Meanwhile, the fifth round of nuclear talks between Iranian and US representatives took place in Rome on May 23, with Oman serving as a mediator. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi described the talks as yielding “certain but not final” progress. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that further progress could be achieved within one or two more rounds of negotiations.
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Based on TASS materials