Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Oman urged US President Donald Trump not to launch airstrikes on Iran. They feared it would trigger a major, uncontrollable conflict across the Middle East. These warnings from close US allies helped Trump decide to hold off a military assault late Wednesday. Saudi Arabia even denied the US use of its airspace for attacks. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke by phone on Thursday with counterparts from Iran, Oman, and Turkey. Though Iran has differences with Gulf states over regional politics and islands in the Gulf, relations have been improving. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Arab capitals like Bahrain and Cairo last year to build ties. Gulf states know Iran can disrupt Gulf maritime traffic and are cautious. Araghchi tries to convince Gulf states that Iran is less of a global threat than Israel, especially after Israel bombed Doha last September targeting Hamas negotiators. Though Israel missed main targets, five lower-level Hamas members were killed. The US apologized to Qatar and offered security guarantees. Qatar accused Israel of blocking peace chances. The US airbase at al-Udeid in Qatar is key, but amid rising tension, the US pulled key staff from there. Iran threatened to target US bases if attacked. Iran also claims it ordered Israel to stop its 12-day strike on Iran's leadership after Iran hit a US base. Araghchi called Arab leaders to explain Iran’s actions. Many Gulf states dislike Iranian proxy involvement in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. Yet none want an authoritarian Iranian regime toppled by protests or state breakup. Saudi Arabia recently crushed a southern Yemen rebellion, and Egypt cracks down on human rights calls. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said challenges need all to "return to the negotiating table." Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hopes the US and Iran can resolve matters through dialogue or mediators.