Trump seeks a deal - but Gulf allies push to continue strangling Tehran

Donald Trump is seeking a deal with Iran, but Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are pressuring him to maintain the naval blockade and avoid compromise. Qatar and Oman are trying to promote dialogue, while in Tehran there are internal divisions between moderates and the Revolutionary Guards.

Donald Trump is seeking a deal with Iran, but his Gulf allies, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are pressuring him to continue the naval blockade and avoid any compromise. Qatar and Oman are trying to promote a new channel of dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently made clear to American officials that the blockade must continue until Iran is forced to sign a tough agreement on terms favorable to the West. The UAE has also cooled enthusiasm for negotiations, emphasizing that regional escalation proves Tehran is not rushing toward diplomacy. In Tehran, internal divisions are evident: moderate diplomats acknowledge the economic crisis and propose a lull in fighting in exchange for lifting the blockade, but the Revolutionary Guards project a militant line and demand relief on oil exports and access to frozen assets. The White House feels in a position of strength, and an official noted that there is no urgency to compromise. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Washington is convinced that continued economic pressure will bring Tehran to its knees.