Saudi Arabia has proposed the idea of a regional non-aggression pact involving Iran and other Middle Eastern states as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent further escalation in the Gulf and wider Middle East conflict, according to a report by the Financial Times.
The proposal reportedly emerged during consultations between Saudi Arabia and its regional allies amid growing instability linked to ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States and several Gulf countries. Officials familiar with the discussions said Riyadh is seeking mechanisms to reduce military confrontation and protect critical regional infrastructure, particularly after recent attacks targeting energy facilities and shipping routes.
The reported initiative comes after months of heightened military tensions across the region, including Iranian missile and drone attacks on Gulf targets, retaliatory operations and disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Saudi Arabia has increasingly positioned itself as a supporter of de-escalation despite earlier reports of covert retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets during the regional conflict.
According to the Financial Times report, the proposed framework is aimed at creating long-term guarantees against direct attacks between regional states while preserving diplomatic communication channels between Riyadh and Tehran.
Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran had sharply deteriorated for years over regional rivalries, proxy conflicts and security disputes across the Middle East. However, ties began improving after the two countries restored diplomatic relations in 2023 under a China-brokered agreement, reopening embassies and resuming high-level talks.
The latest proposal also comes as Gulf nations grow increasingly concerned about the economic and security consequences of prolonged instability in the region. Energy infrastructure, maritime trade routes and oil exports remain highly vulnerable to conflict escalation, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supply passes.
Regional diplomacy has intensified in recent months, with countries including Qatar, Oman and Pakistan reportedly participating in efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Tehran and Western-backed allies.
Analysts say the proposed non-aggression pact reflects a broader shift in Gulf diplomacy, where regional powers are increasingly prioritising economic stability, energy security and conflict prevention over direct confrontation. However, deep mistrust between regional actors and unresolved disputes involving Iran’s military activities, nuclear programme and proxy networks continue to complicate diplomatic efforts.
The development is expected to draw close international attention as the Middle East remains at the center of global energy security and geopolitical tensions.