Opinion | How Saudi diplomacy is thwarting Trump’s desire for war with Iran
South China Morning Post
by Yang XiaotongFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article discusses how Saudi Arabia's diplomacy, influenced by China-brokered detente in 2023, has curtailed Trump's push for a military confrontation with Iran. While the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East and imposed economic sanctions, Saudi Arabia's refusal to support U.S. attacks on Iran has been pivotal in preventing an escalation into all-out war.
The article highlights that unlike previous confrontations where the U.S. directly targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump has shown restraint this time. This shift is attributed to Saudi Arabia's diplomatic intervention and its strategic decision not to allow U.S. military operations from its territory or airspace. The improved relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, facilitated by China in 2023, have created a deterrent effect, preventing the region from descending into total war.
Additionally, the article notes that Iran's responses to U.S. actions have been calibrated to avoid direct confrontation. For instance, after Trump ordered the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani and subsequent missile strikes on U.S. bases in Iraq and Qatar, Iran gave prior notice through intermediaries, demonstrating its reluctance to escalate tensions despite provocative rhetoric.
The article also suggests that military analysts within the Trump administration believe Iran's influence in the region has been significantly weakened following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Combined with domestic protests in Iran, this perceived decline has emboldened hawks in Washington to push for a decisive resolution to what they view as Iran's impending collapse.
Finally, the article mentions Trump's decision to impose additional 25% tariffs on countries trading with Iran, further intensifying economic pressure on Tehran. This context is crucial for readers interested in global politics, as it underscores how diplomatic efforts by third parties can shape U.S. foreign policy and regional stability.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/25/2026