Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, delivered a message from the Saudi King to Iran’s Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a meeting in Tehran today on Thursday. The visit and high-level discussions signal ongoing efforts to solidify the rapprochement between the two regional powers.
During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei welcomed the potential for improved relations, stating, “We believe that relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia will be beneficial for both countries, and the two nations can complement each other.”
Recognizing potential obstacles, the Iranian Leader added, “The expansion of relations between the two countries has enemies,” but emphasized, “We must overcome these hostile motives, and we are ready in this regard.” Ayatollah Khamenei also highlighted Iran’s advancements in various fields, stating, “The Islamic Republic is ready to assist Saudi Arabia in these areas,” and stressed that regional cooperation is paramount: “It is much better for brothers in the region to cooperate and help each other than to rely on others.”
Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, was also present during the meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei.
In his discussions, Prince Khalid bin Salman expressed great satisfaction with the meeting and stated, “I have come to Tehran with an agenda to expand relations with Iran and cooperate in all fields.” He voiced hope that the constructive dialogues would “lead to stronger relations than in the past between Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Saudi Minister also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, discussing bilateral cooperation. Iran‘s President said in the meeting that Tehran is fully prepared to expand relations with Saudi Arabia in all fields and extend this bilateral cooperation to other Islamic countries. He added that Iran is ready to host the Saudi King and Crown Prince.
Also earlier in the day, Prince Khalid met with Major General Bagheri. During their talks, General Bagheri underscored the importance of the relationship, particularly given the current complex regional and international situation. He affirmed the readiness of Iran’s armed forces to develop bilateral defense cooperation in various fields of mutual interest. Bagheri noted the growth in military ties since the China-brokered agreement to restore diplomatic relations (referred to as the Beijing agreement), adding that regional security is a “shared strategic interest” and Iran’s policy is founded on developing ties with its neighbors. He suggested that strengthening military relations could serve as a positive foundation for the wider region.
The Saudi Defense Minister said in the meeting that the important relationship between the two countries significantly impacts the security of both nations and the region, conveying the Kingdom’s “insistence on strengthening and developing relations.” He expressed optimism that enhanced ties across different sectors would yield positive results for both countries and the region, emphasizing that the security of the region and Islamic nations requires the attention and participation of regional countries themselves.
Concluding the meeting between the military chiefs, Prince Khalid bin Salman extended an invitation to Major General Bagheri to visit Saudi Arabia.
