As President Donald Trump considers his next move regarding Iran, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East has reportedly declined to support any potential military action.
A senior Gulf official told Fox News that Saudi Arabia would not permit the United States to utilize their airspace or military locations for any action against Iran, as the Trump administration steps up pressure on Tehran to reach a nuclear deal.
According to the official, Gulf allies have not been fully briefed on U.S. objectives or operational plans involving Iran. This remains the case despite recent high-level meetings between Saudi officials and U.S. leaders in Washington.
The official said regional partners sought clearer answers from the United States but left those discussions without firm details. As a result, any American military activity related to Iran would reportedly avoid Saudi territory.
“Current planning does not involve the use of Saudi airspace,” the official said.
While emphasizing that U.S. forces remain welcome in Saudi Arabia for existing missions, including counterterrorism operations against ISIS, the source said the kingdom’s position has not changed. Saudi Arabia has consistently refused to allow its airspace to be used in conflicts it is not directly involved in.
That policy was in place during last year’s brief regional clashes involving Israel, Iran, and the Houthi movement, and Saudi officials say it still applies today.
President Trump stated Friday that the United States has directly communicated its expectations to Iranian leadership as pressure builds for a nuclear agreement. When asked whether Iran had been given a deadline, Trump suggested the timeline had been shared privately.
“Only they know for sure,” Trump said.
The president also addressed the growing U.S. naval presence in the region, noting that American warships must be positioned strategically as Washington evaluates its options regarding Iran.
Despite public signals from Tehran suggesting interest in negotiations, the Gulf official expressed doubt that a viable deal is close. Iran may want talks, the source said, but the key issue is whether any agreement would meet U.S. security standards.
Gulf leaders also noted that previous U.S. actions significantly weakened Iran’s nuclear capabilities, leaving Tehran in a less advantageous position than in past years. Even so, regional officials believe Iran still has an opportunity to change course.
According to the source, Iran has substantial economic and energy potential if its leadership focuses on internal development rather than regional confrontation. Gulf allies say they would prefer to see Iran become a stable and constructive actor in the Middle East.
Although U.S. officials have not publicly outlined their long-term strategy, the Gulf source said regional leaders hope Washington’s actions ultimately lead to greater stability and prosperity across the Middle East.