Saudi Crown Prince Urged Trump to Halt Strike on Iran, i24NEWS Reports

The diplomatic intervention by Riyadh marks a pivotal moment in the current regional standoff. According to i24NEWS and Israeli media reports, the Saudi Crown Prince's appeal was a primary factor in the White House's decision to pivot toward a diplomatic track. President Trump subsequently informed reporters that he had been asked by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to halt the strike, suggesting a coordinated effort by Gulf monarchies to avoid a wider kinetic conflict.

Regional Mediation and the Strait of Hormuz

As The Zioneer reported earlier, this development follows intense behind-the-scenes maneuvering involving several regional actors. The proposed framework for de-escalation reportedly includes the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint that has been the site of recent Iranian aggression. While Iranian negotiators, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have reportedly signaled a positive response to a Qatari-mediated proposal, the situation remains volatile. Iran has publicly warned of a "significant" response to any U.S. attack, even as Washington signals its readiness for renewed negotiations scheduled to begin Monday.

Strategic Implications for Israel

In Jerusalem, the sudden shift in American strategy has been met with a mix of surprise and continued vigilance. While President Trump claimed that Israel is also committed to the current pause, the Israeli defense establishment remains on high alert. Senior Israeli officials have emphasized that while they recognize the diplomatic efforts of the Gulf states, Israel maintains its independent freedom of action to defend against Iranian threats. The skepticism in Israel is further fueled by reports of ongoing Iranian provocations, including alleged IRGC activity in the Strait of Hormuz, which challenge the narrative of a stable de-escalation.