Secret Channel Revealed: Trump Greenlights Saudi Mediation to Revive Nuclear Talks with Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly authorized Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) to open a crucial diplomatic channel with Tehran. The objective is to gauge the Iranian regime’s willingness to re-engage in stalled nuclear negotiations and potentially broker a new agreement covering the nuclear file and sanctions.

The move, detailed in reports from the Lebanese newspaper al-Akhbar, signals a strategic shift aimed at regional stability, as Riyadh steps forward as a potential bridge between Washington and Tehran.

Saudi Warning and Iranian Outreach

During his recent visit to Washington, bin Salman reportedly impressed upon President Trump the necessity of a U.S. understanding with Iran. According to sources, the Crown Prince warned that failure to establish a diplomatic track could embolden Israel to take renewed military action and derail any path to peace.

This dialogue was preceded by a written message sent by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to bin Salman. While Iranian officials have sought to downplay the letter's significance, describing it as "purely bilateral" and focused on Hajj coordination, multiple reports suggest it carried a plea for broader cooperation. Sources claim Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran "does not seek confrontation," supports regional cooperation, and remains open to resolving the nuclear dispute through diplomacy, provided Tehran's rights are guaranteed.

The ambiguity around the letter intensified after a former Iranian lawmaker, Mostafa Kavakebian, publicly claimed that Pezeshkian used bin Salman as a conduit to offer talks with the United States without preconditions, a statement that prosecutors are now investigating as "spreading false information." Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei denied any nuclear content, accusing outside actors of fueling "baseless speculation."

The Diplomatic Roadmap

Following the historic meeting between bin Salman and Trump, Saudi officials reportedly re-engaged Tehran immediately. The two sides informally agreed on a forthcoming senior-level Saudi-Iranian meeting in Paris, which is slated to be followed by Saudi shuttle diplomacy between Washington and Tehran.

This mediation concept had been tested earlier when bin Salman met with Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, in Riyadh in September. Larijani responded positively to Saudi involvement but stressed that Iran was not prepared to make concessions or accept negotiations driven by external pressure. Saudi officials also raised the importance of a US-Iran understanding to help facilitate a political reconciliation in Yemen.

Iran Under Pressure

Iran’s push to downplay its outreach is unfolding at a time of deep geopolitical strain.

For Iran, the prospect of Saudi mediation offers a potential off-ramp from escalating military and economic pressure, though its internal political divisions remain evident in the conflicting public statements. For the U.S., leveraging the improved Saudi-Iran relationship could be a new avenue to address the nuclear crisis and prevent a wider war.