U.S. President Donald Trump said he had canceled a strike on Iran, stating that Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had asked for a delay. Earlier, sources said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had called Trump to voice concern. Cedric Leighton, a military analyst and former U.S. Air Force colonel, told CNN that both Saudi Arabia and Iran had strong reasons to avoid any further escalation in the region. He said Saudi Arabia faced economic pressure tied to a possible disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, and that its diplomatic efforts mattered because the kingdom is a key U.S. ally in the Gulf. Leighton also said Iran was under pressure from the strait’s closure and from economic damage, and after five months of conflict may be trying to buy time while struggling to survive.
Trump said he had canceled a strike on Iran, adding that Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had asked for a pause.
Earlier, sources said the Saudi crown prince had called Trump to express concern. Cedric Leighton, a military analyst and former U.S. Air Force colonel, told CNN that both Saudi Arabia and Iran had strong reasons to avoid any further escalation in the region.
Leighton points to pressure on both sides
Leighton said Saudi Arabia was facing economic pressure tied to a disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. As a key U.S. ally in the Gulf, Saudi diplomatic mediation played an important part in Trump’s decision to hold off on the strike, he said.
He also said Iran was under pressure from the strait’s closure and from economic damage. After five months of conflict, Iran may also be trying to buy time and is struggling to stay afloat.
“If there is indeed diplomatic pressure coming from Iran ... I think that may reflect that Iran is trying to buy time,” Leighton said.
“They are under a fair amount of pressure both economically and militarily. But at the same time, I’m also well aware that the Iranians are trying their best to survive,” he added.
CNN was the cited source for the remarks.
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