In a key diplomatic development following the recent Iran-Israel war, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Jeddah on Tuesday, marking the first high-level Iranian visit to Saudi Arabia since the 12-day conflict.
According to Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Araghchi’s talks with Saudi leadership were “fruitful”, as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and regional stability.
The meeting comes less than a month after the devastating conflict between Iran and Israel, during which the United States bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities before brokering a ceasefire.
Signs of Continued Rapprochement
Despite the recent hostilities, the visit signals that Tehran and Riyadh remain committed to restoring diplomatic ties, which were officially resumed in 2023 through Chinese mediation after years of tension.
Saudi Arabia’s state-run SPA news agency reported that Crown Prince MBS and Araghchi reviewed bilateral relations and discussed “the latest regional developments” and efforts to enhance peace.
“The Crown Prince expressed hope that the ceasefire will help create conditions conducive to regional security and stability,” SPA said. “He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s belief in diplomatic dialogue as the primary path to resolving disputes.”
Araghchi also thanked Saudi Arabia for condemning Israel’s military aggression during the war.
Wider Engagement in the Kingdom
During his visit, the Iranian foreign minister held meetings with key Saudi officials, including Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
The Iran-Israel Conflict: A Recap
The conflict erupted on June 13, when Israel launched a surprise military offensive against Iranian targets, killing several senior military officers, nuclear scientists, and hundreds of civilians. Iran responded with retaliatory missile attacks that caused widespread damage across Israeli cities.
A ceasefire was later negotiated by the United States after fears escalated of a broader regional war.
The Jeddah meeting between Araghchi and MBS is seen as a significant step toward preventing future escalation in the region and strengthening Iran-Saudi cooperation amid a shifting Middle East dynamic.
