Saudi Arabia is pressing the United States to lift its blockade on Iran and return to negotiations, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Citing Saudi and other Gulf officials, the Journal reported that Riyadh fears the blockade could deepen the crisis and lead Iran to disrupt other key waterways. The report said Saudi officials have urged Washington to step back from the measure and reopen a diplomatic channel.
The push comes after the U.S. announced enforcing new maritime restrictions following failed talks with Iran. On Sunday, CENTCOM announced that the US forces would begin enforcing restrictions on maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports at 10 a.m. Eastern on April 13 under a presidential proclamation.
According to CENTCOM, the measure applies to vessels from all nations traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas, including along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The measure does not affect ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to or from non-Iranian ports.
On Monday, President Donald Trump made the warning stronger. In a post on Truth Social, President Trump said any Iranian “fast attack ships” moving near the US naval blockade would be “immediately ELIMINATED.” He also claimed Iran’s navy had been “completely obliterated” and said 158 ships were at the bottom of the sea.
Iran has called the blockade illegal. According to Reuters, Iranian officials also warned that ports in neighboring Gulf states could be at risk if the United States enforces the measure. The Associated Press reported that Iranian officials described the US position as too harsh and unrealistic and denounced the blockade as unlawful.
Saudi Arabia’s push for a rollback seems to be based on a mix of military pressure, failed diplomacy, and warnings from Iran. The Journal said that Riyadh thinks more talks are the safer way to go because they are afraid that the current course could make the crisis worse in the Gulf.
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