Saudi Arabia has called on the United States to reconsider its strategy, fearing that its energy supply system could be threatened by rising tensions in the Middle East.
Riyadh has warned that a potential blockade could further complicate the situation, especially in the Strait of Hormuz.
A report in the influential US daily The Wall Street Journal said that Iran could block important shipping lanes in response to the US sanctions plan, putting maritime trade routes in the Red Sea and surrounding areas at risk.
Saudi Arabia believes that a tough US stance could further escalate the situation, and has called on Washington to return to diplomatic talks instead of a policy of sanctions.
Experts are also warning that in the current context, if diplomatic initiatives are not taken quickly to defuse tensions between regional powers, there could be long-term impacts on the global energy supply system.