Refinitiv, citing five sources, said that after President Trump’s July 28 threat
to strike Iran’s energy network and infrastructure, Iran conducted high-level
diplomatic outreach warning Gulf states any new U.S. military action would
prompt Iranian retaliation against regional energy facilities and U.S. assets.
Iranian deputy foreign minister Araghchi spoke with the foreign ministers of
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar and with Pakistan’s army chief, urging Gulf
partners to use their influence to dissuade Washington. Saudi Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to delay military action. Qatar, Oman and Saudi
pressed the U.S. to resume talks with Tehran to avoid renewed conflict. On Aug.
2, Trump said he agreed to call off the attack plan “provided a deal could be
reached quickly.”
