Behind Trump's Iran U-turn: How Gulf leaders persuaded diplomacy over attacks

Qatar has taken a leading role in renewed mediation efforts between the US and Iran. Qatari negotiators presented Iranian officials with a revised proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

In Short

• Qatari mediators proposed revised shipping terms for the crucial waterway
• Tehran signalled openness, though leaders have not yet approved the plan
• Iran still wants vessel tolls and oil sanctions relief, officials said

US President Donald Trump pulled back from launching fresh military strikes on Iran after Gulf mediators made progress on a proposal to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and regional allies urged Washington to give diplomacy another chance, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Trump's unexpected announcement, made on social media early Sunday, that he had cancelled the planned strikes temporarily eased tensions between Washington and Tehran after days of fears that the conflict could escalate into a wider regional war.

QATAR PUSHES NEW HORMUZ PROPOSAL

As per The WSJ, Qatar has taken a leading role in renewed mediation efforts between the US and Iran. Qatari negotiators presented Iranian officials with a revised proposal on Saturday aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime trade routes through which roughly 20 per cent of global oil supplies pass.

Iranian diplomats responded positively to the proposal, raising cautious optimism among mediators that both sides could move closer to an agreement. An Iranian diplomat told the newspaper that Tehran had shown openness to the proposal, although it remained unclear whether the Iranian leadership would ultimately approve it.

The proposal introduces new shipping arrangements for vessels using the strait, which is bordered by Iran to the north and Oman to the south. Iran had previously insisted that it should control at least part of both shipping lanes.

However, The WSJ said it remains uncertain whether negotiators have resolved one of the biggest sticking points -- Iran's demand to collect fees or tolls from vessels passing through the waterway, an idea strongly opposed by Washington. Some officials also said that Iranian diplomats had separately presented proposals aimed at reopening the strait while seeking relief from sanctions on the country's oil exports.

SAUDI ARABIA URGED TRUMP TO CHOOSE DIALOGUE

Saudi Arabia was reportedly among the strongest voices urging restraint. Just hours before Trump announced he was shelving the planned strikes, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with the US president and encouraged him to pursue dialogue to reduce regional tensions.

Saudi officials familiar with the discussions also told the newspaper that the crown prince sought greater clarity on Washington's overall strategy towards Iran and the proposed military operation.

Saudi Arabia later said diplomatic engagement remained the best path forward.

"Such efforts pave the way for diplomatic solutions that yield positive results, preserving the region's security and stability while preventing a slide into a broader conflict with repercussions for regional and international security and stability," the Saudi government said.

Behind the scenes, Gulf governments have grown increasingly frustrated over what they see as the absence of a clear long-term US strategy while Iranian attacks continue to threaten the region. Officials told The WSJ that Gulf allies have requested additional US air-defence interceptors and renewed security guarantees should the confrontation persist.

GULF ALLIES DIVIDED OVER IRAN STRATEGY

Despite the broad diplomatic push, Gulf countries are not united in their approach towards Iran. While Saudi Arabia has consistently advocated de-escalation, senior Gulf officials told the newspaper that the UAE has privately encouraged Trump to adopt a tougher military posture.

According to those officials, Emirati leaders believe Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is unlikely to compromise unless confronted with stronger US military pressure, including taking control of the Strait of Hormuz and potentially considering ground operations.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan on Saturday, warning that Tehran would respond forcefully to any attack by either the United States or Israel and that Washington would bear responsibility for the consequences.

TRUMP TREADS CAREFULLY

Trump's preference for diplomacy also reflects mounting political pressure at home. Polling has shown that a prolonged conflict with Iran remains unpopular among American voters and could weigh on Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections.

Iranian officials are aware of Trump's domestic vulnerabilities and could seek to exploit them if negotiations collapse. One Iranian diplomat said the IRGC was even considering pre-emptive military action if diplomacy failed, regardless of whether the US launched fresh strikes.

Earlier in the crisis, Israel held greater sway in encouraging military action despite Gulf objections. Now, he said, Gulf states appear to carry greater weight with the White House as they seek to prevent a wider regional conflict.

- Ends