Iran War Leaves Trump Torn Between Israel's Pressure And Saudi Calls For Peace
Iran War Leaves Trump Torn Between Israel's Pressure And Saudi Calls For Peace Published By, Last Updated: August 01, 2026, 17:51 IST Trump is under
Iran War Leaves Trump Torn Between Israel's Pressure And Saudi Calls For Peace Published By, Last Updated: August 01, 2026, 17:51 IST Trump is under growing pressure to end the Iran conflict as Israel advocates tougher action, Saudi Arabia calls for de-escalation, and diplomatic efforts remain stalled. Rapid Read US President Donald Trump has received contrasting messages from Israel and Saudi Arabia over the Iran conflict. (File Photo) US President Donald Trump is facing mounting pressure from allies, military advisers and fellow Republicans as the conflict with Iran drags on, with no immediate breakthrough in diplomacy and growing fears that the crisis could widen further. While Trump has repeatedly insisted that Iran wants a deal, officials say direct negotiations are not expected to resume anytime soon. At the same time, the president is receiving conflicting advice from two of Washington’s closest partners in the Middle East Israel, which believes pressure on Tehran should intensify, and Saudi Arabia, which is urging de-escalation. The contrasting positions emerged during two high-level White House meetings held on consecutive days this week, reflecting the difficult choices confronting the Trump administration. Israel, Saudi Arabia Deliver Opposing Messages Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday, where the two discussed Iran and possible next steps, according to Israeli officials familiar with the meeting. Netanyahu reportedly expressed doubts that diplomacy with Tehran would succeed and instead discussed ways to increase pressure on Iran, including the possibility of resuming a full-scale military campaign. The following day, Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman arrived at the White House on an unannounced visit carrying a message from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to people familiar with the talks, the Saudi leadership urged Trump and Vice President JD Vance to work towards de-escalation, warning that a prolonged conflict would increase risks across the region. Although the meetings were scheduled independently, they highlighted the competing expectations of two key US allies. Diplomatic Path Remains Uncertain Despite Trump’s public assertion that Iran is “begging" for a deal, officials say diplomatic efforts have made little progress. A senior US official said direct talks with Tehran do not appear imminent.
Instead, American officials believe influential figures inside Iran remain committed to maintaining pressure through threats to the Strait of Hormuz and continued missile attacks targeting US forces. Officials also said Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Iran’s refusal to accept his demands, leading to tense discussions within the administration and heated conversations with allies. Seeking fresh momentum, Trump convened his Cabinet at Camp David on Friday, hoping to revive efforts to end the conflict. “I think we just want to win," Trump said when asked about restarting diplomacy. “They’ll get weaker. They’ll get a little stronger maybe now. Then they’ll get weaker. And then they’ll peter out." Military Escalation Still Being Considered Even as diplomatic efforts remain stalled, military options continue to be reviewed. According to US officials, Central Command has prepared plans for a one-to-two-week bombing campaign targeting Iran’s missile infrastructure should Trump authorise broader military action. Asked whether he planned to escalate further, Trump said, “We’re going big. We’ve already gone big." However, senior military officials have cautioned that air strikes alone are unlikely to achieve all of Washington’s objectives. Appearing before lawmakers last week, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine warned that “air power has its limits." Trump has so far stopped short of approving wider strikes, partly because of concerns raised by Caine over dwindling stocks of air defence interceptors. Other officials have also warned that attacks on major infrastructure, including bridges and water desalination facilities, could result in high civilian casualties. “Who am I hurting there? I’m hurting the people, so I’m not looking to do that," Trump said during an interview with Fox News. Strait Of Hormuz Becomes Immediate Focus With military escalation carrying significant risks, regional diplomatic efforts are now focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. People familiar with the discussions said negotiators are exploring a limited agreement centred on restoring shipping through the strategic waterway, allowing both sides to lower tensions after differing interpretations of last month’s memorandum of understanding. The issue has also become politically important for Trump at home. According to Republican operatives, party leaders are increasingly worried that prolonged disruption in the Strait could drive up fuel prices and hurt Republican candidates in next year’s midterm elections.
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