TEHRAN: Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, arrived in Tehran with a high-profile delegation, receiving a warm welcome from General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s Chief of Staff of Armed Forces. The visit signifies a notable thaw in relations between the two regional powers.
During this pivotal meeting, Prince Khalid conveyed a message from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While the specific content of the message remains undisclosed, it underscores the Saudi kingdom’s intent to engage in dialogue with Iran.
Ayatollah Khamenei responded positively, highlighting that a strengthened relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia serves the interests of both nations. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to overcoming barriers that hinder the improvement of bilateral ties, signaling a willingness to explore cooperation in various sectors.
The timing of Prince Khalid’s visit is crucial, coinciding with upcoming nuclear negotiations involving the United States and Iran scheduled in Rome later this week. Observers suggest that Saudi Arabia may be seeking to reinforce its position and influence as Iran engages with global powers over its nuclear program.
