Foreign ministers of Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan met in Riyadh last Thursday to seek a diplomatic solution to the ongoing war in Iran. The talks faced a major obstacle as Iran lacked an effective representative after its national security chief, Ali Larijani, was killed in an Israeli attack. Egyptian intelligence officials managed to open a communication channel with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and proposed a five-day ceasefire to build trust for a lasting truce.

The discussions in Riyadh had ripple effects reaching the United States. On Saturday night, President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face strikes on its power plants. However, after learning of the Riyadh talks, the White House shifted course. By Monday morning, Trump decided to pursue diplomatic negotiations and suspended potential military action.

U.S. officials indicated that secret meetings mediated by Middle Eastern intermediaries offered hope for a settlement. Considering the political and economic toll of the conflict, Trump and some advisers reportedly favored a swift resolution.