Iran’s Foreign Minister has engaged in discussions with Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, a significant development two weeks after a ceasefire between regional adversaries Iran and Israel took effect.
In a post on X early Wednesday, the Saudi foreign ministry quoted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as expressing his country’s hope that the truce would contribute to regional stability. He further emphasized Riyadh’s consistent position in “supporting dialogue through diplomatic means as a path to resolving disputes.”
According to the Saudi ministry, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi “expressed his gratitude” to Riyadh for its condemnation of Israel’s attacks on Iran last month. Israel had launched an unprecedented bombing campaign on Iran on June 13, targeting military and nuclear facilities, as well as residential areas. Tehran reported that these Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people, including senior military commanders and nuclear scientists.
In retaliation, Israel was hit by waves of drone and missile fire from Iran, which Israeli authorities stated left at least 28 people dead. The US, which had been in discussions with Iran regarding its nuclear program since April, also carried out its own strikes on Iran on June 22, targeting several nuclear sites. Although talks between Tehran and Washington have since stalled, the ceasefire between Iran and Israel has remained in effect since June 24.
Historically, Iran and Saudi Arabia have often found themselves on opposing sides in regional conflicts, notably in Syria and Yemen. These two regional powerhouses severed diplomatic relations in 2016 before re-establishing them in 2023 under a rapprochement deal brokered by China. This re-establishment marked a significant diplomatic achievement for MBS, who has adopted a more conciliatory approach to regional diplomacy in recent years.
Saudi Arabia had condemned the Israeli strikes on Iran last month, labeling them “aggressions” and a “clear violation of international laws.” Riyadh also conveyed its “great concern” following the US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that Araghchi held “fruitful conversations” with Crown Prince Mohammed, as well as Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Defence Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman, focusing on bilateral relations and regional developments.
