Iran Engaging in Urgent Diplomacy with US and Mideast Countries
Iran has been particularly interested in getting help from Saudi Arabia in preventing an Israeli attack and using their influence with Washington to help find a resolution to the ongoing crisis. This trepidation arises from doubts regarding the ability of the United States to persuade Israel against targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and oil installations.
Iran’s leadership is exhibiting considerable unease and has been pursuing urgent diplomatic discussions with neighboring Middle Eastern nations to explore ways to diminish the intensity of Israel’s actions. The United States has been in consultations with Israel regarding its planned response to Iran’s attack on October 1, with American officials making it clear that they prefer Israel refrain from striking Iranian nuclear sites or oil fields.
Iran has conveyed a message to Israel through European intermediaries, indicating that Tehran would be prepared to overlook a limited Israeli strike and refrain from retaliation. However, if faced with a significant strike aimed at its critical oil infrastructure or nuclear energy facilities, Iran would have no alternative but to respond decisively.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have been actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to manage the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. GCC foreign ministers held an informal joint meeting with their Iranian counterpart in Qatar on October 3, addressing Iranian concerns about U.S.-Israel-GCC air defense partnerships and the use of Arab airspace for missile overflights.
Iran is also seeking assistance from Saudi Arabia to avert an Israeli strike and to leverage their influence with Washington in pursuit of a resolution to the ongoing crisis. Officials from both countries have convened multiple times in under a month, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveling to Saudi Arabia to discuss regional developments and efforts to halt Israeli actions in Lebanon and Gaza.
The international community is closely monitoring Israel’s every decision as it deliberates its response. However, until at least Saturday evening, Israel will observe a pause in activities to honor Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism.
