Saudi, Qatar, Oman convince Trump to 'give Iran a chance'

DUBAI - Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman have successfully persuaded US President Donald Trump to hold off on potential military action against Iran, according to a senior Saudi official.

This intervention comes as Iran faces widespread protests and a brutal government crackdown, with Trump previously issuing stern warnings and threats of intervention to protect demonstrators.

The White House said Thursday that Iran halted 800 executions of protesters and that Trump and his team have told Tehran there will be grave consequences if the Iranian regime’s killing of protesters continues.

The intervention has drawn mixed reactions. US Senator Lindsey Graham expressed dismay, calling the reports "beyond disturbing" and suggesting a potential rethinking of alliances if Arab states are seen as shielding Iran from accountability for the "outrageous slaughter of innocent people."

Dialogue between the US and Gulf states reportedly continues, with the Saudi official noting efforts to "avoid an uncontrollable situation."