For the first time in over a decade, the U.S. is conducting Iran negotiations with its Arab allies — not just around them.

This marks a strategic shift from the Obama-era nuclear deal, which was widely viewed in the region as a fait accompli delivered from Washington and met with deep skepticism in Arab capitals.

This time, the talks took place in Oman, a trusted regional mediator. But more important than geography is coordination. The Trump administration is keeping Saudi Arabia — a longtime counterweight to Iranian influence — in the loop at every step. It reflects a growing recognition in Washington: The last deal failed, in part, because it excluded the people most likely to live with its consequences.

The shift began under President Trump’s first term. Although his foreign policy was often derided as chaotic in Washington, it was interpreted very differently in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Manama. Arab leaders understood Trump’s approach: transactional, blunt and clear. You give something, you get something. No lofty speeches about democracy. No mixed messages.

Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (

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