Persian Gulf leaders warned Trump against strikes on Iran - Axios

Leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar privately urged US President Donald Trump to avoid military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities during his recent Middle East visit, Axios reported.

Citing fears of regional retaliation and instability, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, and Qatari Emir Tamim Al Thani all expressed strong support for continued diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions with Tehran, sources familiar with the talks told Axios.

The leaders warned that any strike could provoke Iranian attacks on their countries, all of which host US military bases.

“They told Trump that Persian Gulf states would be hit first,” one source with direct knowledge said.