Saudi Arabia Backs Iran Peace Talks, Bars Support for US Hormuz Operation
Updated
Updated · DAWN.com · May 13
Saudi Arabia Backs Iran Peace Talks, Bars Support for US Hormuz Operation
4 articles · Updated · DAWN.com · May 13
Saudi Arabia is now actively backing mediation with Iran through a Pakistan-Egypt-Turkiye channel, reflecting a shift from its earlier support for tougher US action.
Riyadh’s turn is driven by fears of escalation and heavy economic damage from the conflict, including disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and broader strain on the regional energy trade.
The kingdom has reversed limits on US overflights and base access but still refuses to let its territory support Project Freedom, the planned US naval escort mission through Hormuz.
That stance exposes widening Gulf divisions: Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman are increasingly uneasy about being dragged into a prolonged war, while the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait have moved closer to Washington after Iranian retaliation.
The shift comes as Donald Trump rejects Iran’s latest peace proposal and signals possible renewed strikes, deepening doubts that the April ceasefire can lead to a durable settlement.
With its top Arab ally seeking peace, is America’s hardline Iran strategy now isolating itself and Israel?
Iran is profiting from the blockade. Can military pressure work when economic warfare appears to be failing?
How is the Gulf's new focus on joint missile defense and AI reshaping the region's future beyond the current conflict?
Gulf Security at a Crossroads: The 2026 Strait of Hormuz Standoff and Its Global Implications
Overview
As of May 2026, the Strait of Hormuz stands at the center of global attention due to its vital role in oil transit and the risk of economic fallout. Recent developments show a complex mix of shifting regional alliances, with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait lifting restrictions on US military use of their bases after an earlier US operation to reopen the strait. This signals renewed cooperation to secure the waterway. Meanwhile, high-stakes negotiations between the US and Iran are at a critical point, highlighting the delicate balance between military posturing and diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation and maintain regional stability.