Gulf official: Trump’s plans on Iran not shared with regional allies

As President Donald Trump weighs potential military action against Iran, a senior Gulf official told Fox News that Saudi Arabia will not permit the U.S. to use its airspace or bases for such operations.

The official, representing a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) state, noted that despite recent high-level Saudi meetings in Washington, the U.S. has not shared its objectives or detailed plans regarding Iran with Gulf allies.

“We said this as friends, [we] want to make sure they understand our position and our assessment in general. And we want to understand the U.S. assessment with as much clarity as possible,” the official said. “I’d like to get full clarity, and we did not get there.”

Regarding U.S. military deployments for a potential strike, the official added, “The plan is something other than using Saudi airspace.”

While Saudi Arabia continues to welcome the U.S. presence for missions like Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS, its position on Iran mirrors its stance during the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in April 2024. “Saudi Arabia wouldn’t allow airspace to be used to target Israel, Houthis, Iran. The position is the same now. Saudi Arabia wouldn’t allow airspace to be used in a war Saudi Arabia is not a part of,” the official said.

Trump confirmed Friday that the U.S. has communicated its expectations directly to Tehran as pressure mounts for Iran to accept a nuclear deal, though he did not provide a public deadline. “Only they know for sure,” he said when asked if Iranian leaders had been briefed. He also tied the growing U.S. naval presence in the region to Iran, noting American warships “have to float someplace” and “might as well float near Iran.”

The Gulf official warned, however, that while “Iran always wants to make a deal, the question is what kind of deal? Is it acceptable to the U.S.? We don’t see it coming together at this moment.” The U.S. is moving forces to the region to prepare for potential consequences of any plan, regardless of the strategy.

The official emphasized the delicate balance in the Middle East and the role of diplomacy: “There is always a problem whether you make a decision or don’t. We advise the U.S. on a better outcome at the end, using all means, including diplomatic means, and advise Iranians too. … We understand that we’re all in this — the U.S., Iran, and others — and we hope for better results.”

Regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the Gulf source said U.S. strikes have significantly degraded them. They noted, however, that a diplomatic “off-ramp” remains if Iran takes the right steps. “We want a prosperous country that supports their people. Iran has real economic potential, energy, and talent, including abroad. There’s a way to get out of it, and Iran could be a very constructive and important actor in the region. I hope they get there because the Iranian people deserve a lot.”

Despite the absence of shared objectives or plans from Washington, the official expressed hope that U.S. actions will lead to “a more stable Middle East, more prosperous.”

By Tamilla Hasanova