Top Saudi, Iran diplomats discuss regional developments in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Riyadh on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The top diplomats “discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them in various fields” and also addressed regional developments, SPA said.
Saudi Arabia’s al-Ekhbariya channel earlier broadcast footage of Prince Faisal greeting Araghchi and his delegation in Riyadh.
Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on X that Araghchi’s visit would focus on stopping “the Israeli regime’s genocide & aggression” and aimed to “alleviate the pain and suffering of our brothers and sisters in Gaza and Lebanon.”
Israel has been waging a year-long war against Hamas in Gaza that was triggered by the Palestinian militant group’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, began firing on northern Israel in the wake of that attack, and since last month Israel has significantly ramped up its strikes targeting Hezbollah leaders and infrastructure.
Both Hamas and Hezbollah are part of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” of militant groups in the region.
Araghchi’s visit to Saudi Arabia comes as the region awaits Israel’s response to an Iranian missile attack on its territory last week.
Baghaei said the meetings in Riyadh were “in furtherance of our diplomatic efforts, in coordination with countries of the region.”
In Beirut on Friday, Araghchi said Tehran supports efforts for a “simultaneous” ceasefire in Lebanon and the Palestinian territory.
The Islamic Republic called Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel “a turning point in the history of the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people against Israel.”
Iran and Saudi Arabia resumed relations in March 2023 under a surprise China-brokered deal following a seven-year rupture.
Last month, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman explicitly stated that the Kingdom would not normalize relations with Israel without an “independent Palestinian state.”
With AFP