Historic High-Ranking Visit to Tehran Introduces New Era in Saudi-Iran ties
Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman arrived in Tehran on Thursday to conduct high-level meetings with Iranian officials, taking a useful step in the ongoing process to stabilize the relations between the regional rivals. The visit comes ahead of a second round of nuclear discussions between Iran and the US set for this weekend in Rome.
Prince Khalid, when in Tehran, made an unnanounced visit to Iran's Supreme Leader, and delivered a personal letter from King Salman, although the content of the message was not disclosed. According to Iranian state media, Khamenei asserted the benefits of stronger Iran-Saudi ties and expressed Tehran's willingness to "overcome obstacles" in their bilateral relations and help each other in all fields.
The meetings are the culmination of a historic normalization agreement made a year ago in 2023, to restore diplomatic ties that had been impacted by hostile relations in Yemen and Syria. Saudi Arabia recently expressed support for the Iranian-U.S. negotiations, terming it a “positive step” for possibilities to settle regional disputes.
Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran's armed forces Chief of Staff, indicated increased military cooperation between the two countries since the 2023 détente with Iran, which suggests growing similarity on security issues. That thaw is starkly different from the previous tensions in the relationship.
Ayatollah Khamenei stated:
It is far better for brothers in the region to cooperate and help one another, than to rely on outside powers. We must overcome the hostile forces trying to divide our nations.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei
In response, Prince Khalid said:
Engagement and cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran is the cornerstone of regional security, which will lead to greater prosperity for the countries in our region.The Islamic world must act in a coordinated and unified manner against the occupation and expansionism practiced by the leaders of the Zionist entity.I came to Tehran today to present his excellency, the great Supreme Leader, with our intentions to strengthen Iran-Saudi ties at all levels, and to form a partnership deeper and stronger than ever before.
Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Defense