Axios: Saudi Arabia Asked Trump Not to Rush Into War With Iran and Give More Time for Negotiations

Three sources — American, Israeli, and regional — told Axios that regional mediators, led by Qatar, are seeking a diplomatic agreement to resume negotiations between the United States and Iran, aiming to prevent a renewed war following the US midterm elections.

Qatar is working to persuade Iran to allow UN inspectors to visit its nuclear facilities that were bombed, in exchange for easing some of the US sanctions imposed on it.

Axios noted that in the absence of a last-minute agreement, a new bombing campaign appears likely after the midterm elections. In this context, Israeli Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir held talks on Monday with the commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), Admiral Brad Cooper, to coordinate positions in anticipation of potential attacks.

US and Israeli officials indicated that such an operation could involve a week of intense strikes targeting Iranian leadership, the energy sector, nuclear facilities, and infrastructure in Iran.

In a brief interview with Axios on Wednesday, President Trump confirmed that negotiations are taking place with Iran through intermediaries, but emphasized that he does not know if they will bear fruit. Trump said: "We have to get the job done - whether through a deal or another way - and we'll see if the negotiations succeed."

For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on the X platform on Wednesday: "While our brave armed forces are fully prepared to defend the homeland, Iran continues to give diplomacy a chance to succeed."

Sources reported that mediation efforts are led by Qatar, supported by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. Qatari negotiator Ali Al-Dhawadi visited Tehran earlier this week to hold talks with Iranian officials regarding the possibility of reaching an agreement with the Trump administration.

An informed regional source stated that the Qatari side presented ideas to bridge gaps; the US demands Iran relinquish its stockpile of enriched uranium, while Iran insists that the US first lift its naval blockade and release frozen Iranian funds.

The regional source and a US official clarified that mediators are informing Iran that accepting these proposals may be the only way to avoid large-scale attacks after the midterm elections.

Security officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan also emphasized this message during a visit to Tehran a few days ago. A regional source mentioned that the Iranian side stated it would seek approval from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on these ideas in the coming days.

According to a US official, Saudi officials informed the White House - after their visit to Tehran - that Iranians are concerned about the possibility of a US-Israeli bombing operation after the midterm elections. The Saudis asked Trump not to rush into war and to give more time for negotiations.

Axios reported that among the ideas under discussion is returning to the agreement reached between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency in Cairo last year.

The September 2025 agreement allowed UN inspectors to resume visits to Iranian nuclear facilities, but it was suspended after the UN Security Council reimposed sanctions on Iran - via the "snapback" mechanism - a month later.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated before the UN Security Council on Tuesday that reviving the Cairo agreement could provide a framework for resuming inspections at Iranian nuclear facilities damaged by US and Israeli strikes.

The regional source noted that if Iran agrees to allow UN inspectors to visit its nuclear sites, it could receive exemptions allowing it to sell oil, and part of its frozen funds might be released to purchase food and other humanitarian goods.

The source said: "There is some movement, and we are awaiting the Iranian response. The idea is that Iranians can say they did not give up enriched uranium beforehand, while the US can say it extracted some nuclear concessions from Iran."

On another note, the regional source stated that the White House informed mediators that it would express its opinion on the proposed deal after knowing whether Iran accepts it or not.

Trump discussed the Iranian file with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House envoy Steve Witkoff during a trip to Texas aboard Air Force One on Tuesday. He also discussed the matter on Wednesday with his national security team, as part of an intelligence briefing, according to US officials.

A White House official stated: "As the President said, they have been systematically destroyed, militarily and financially, and unless they change their approach quickly, we will finish the job soon."

The official added: "The United States has a very strong position, controlling the Strait of Hormuz, while the Iranian economy is collapsing. Iran has suffered devastating blows, and one way or another, the conflict in Iran will end very soon."