Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt have launched urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent a dangerous escalation between the United States and Iran. Over the past few days, these countries worked behind the scenes to urge restraint from both Washington and Tehran amid fears of US military strikes over Iran's crackdown on protests.

In a high-stakes push lasting 48 to 72 hours, officials from the four nations shuttled messages to leaders on both sides. They cautioned the US that any attacks could spark regional chaos, including oil supply disruptions and strikes on Gulf facilities, while pressing Iran to avoid targeting American bases, which would strain neighborly relations. President Donald Trump, reelected last November, ultimately paused action after reports of easing violence in Iran, averting what could have been a major crisis.

Oman and Qatar, longtime neutral brokers in Middle East disputes, led the mediation, with Saudi Arabia and Egypt—staunch US partners wary of Iranian influence—adding weight to the call. This unity builds on the 2023 Saudi-Iran détente, as Gulf states prioritize economic stability over proxy conflicts. Hosting vital US military assets makes these nations especially vulnerable, echoing last year's Houthi disruptions in the Red Sea that rattled global trade.

Oil markets remain on edge, with prices volatile to headlines—a reminder of the 2019 Abqaiq attacks that slashed Saudi production by half. If sustained, this diplomacy might revive nuclear negotiations stalled since the US withdrew from the 2015 deal, offering a path to lasting calm. Regional leaders clearly favor talk over turmoil to safeguard their futures.