Saudi Crown Prince, Trump discuss de-escalation amid Iran tensions

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation aimed at reducing regional tensions, Saudi state news agency SPA reported Sunday. The Crown Prince stressed the importance of prioritizing dialogue to de-escalate the situation and called for concerted efforts to achieve a ceasefire, paving the way for diplomatic solutions.

This discussion followed Trump's announcement that he had decided to postpone further strikes against Iran, citing requests from several Gulf nations. The Crown Prince reportedly stated that efforts to ease tensions should prevent a larger conflict that could impact regional and international security. Trump, in a social media post, claimed that a foundational agreement was being reached by U.S. allies in West Asia to end a conflict that had entered its fifth month.

According to Trump, this emerging deal would include the immediate, full, and complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the termination of Iran's nuclear ambitions. He stated that based on these requests, he agreed to cancel the strikes for the future benefit of the world and Iran's successful prosperity, provided an agreement could be reached swiftly. Trump also mentioned that "the State of Israel joins me in this commitment."

However, Iran's Mehr news agency on Sunday denied Trump's assertion that the Islamic Republic had asked the U.S. not to proceed with new attacks. The report comes after the U.S. and Israel reportedly attacked Iran on February 28, initiating a conflict Trump stated was intended to dismantle Tehran's missile capabilities, prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, and end its support for allied armed groups.