Saudi Crown Prince and Iranian Foreign Minister Discuss Regional Developments
On Wednesday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi engaged in a meeting in Riyadh to deliberate on the latest developments in the region, as reported by the Saudi state news agency (SPA).
Political Rapprochement Between Saudi Arabia and Iran
Saudi Arabia, the top oil exporter, has been experiencing a political rapprochement with Iran in recent years. This positive shift has contributed to easing regional tensions, although relations between the two countries still face challenges.
Agenda of the Meeting
During the meeting, Araqchi was expected to address various bilateral issues and discuss efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza. Additionally, it was noted that Araqchi would be visiting Qatar later in the day as part of his diplomatic engagements.
Tensions in the Middle East
The Middle East is currently on edge, awaiting Israel’s response to an Iranian missile strike that took place last week. The strike was carried out by Tehran in retaliation for Israel’s actions against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. This conflict is running concurrently with the ongoing Gaza war.
Iran’s Warning to Gulf Arab States
Recently, Tehran issued a warning to Gulf Arab states, expressing that it would deem it “unacceptable” if they permitted the use of their airspace or military bases against Iran. The statement also cautioned that any such actions would trigger a response from Iran, a senior Iranian official revealed.
Source: REUTERS