The Saudi Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, on Thursday met with the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and senior Iranian officials in Tehran, upon the directives of the Saudi leadership.
Meeting Iran’s Leadership
During the meeting with Khamenei, Prince Khalid bin Salman delivered a letter from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and conveyed the greetings of Saudi Arabia’s leadership.
Furthermore, the Saudi Defense Minister and the Iranian Supreme Leader discussed bilateral relations and topics of mutual interest, Prince Khalid wrote on X.
Moreover, Prince Khalid bin Salman met with Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian. During their meeting, the Saudi Defense Minister conveyed the greetings of the Kingdom’s leadership and reviewed the Saudi-Iranian relations and explored ways to enhance them.
They also discussed regional and international developments and related efforts, according to Prince Khalid bin Salman.
Beneficial Relations
On his part, Khamenei said that the relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran “are beneficial for both countries” and that the two countries can add to each other, he wrote on X after the meeting.
He added that there are some who “show enmity to the expansion of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. We must overcome their hostile motives, and we are prepared in this regard.”
The Iranian Supreme Leader also said that Iran is ready to assist Saudi Arabia in fields where Tehran has made progress. “It’s much better if the brothers in the West Asian region cooperate and assist each other instead of depending on others,” Khamenei added.
Enhancing Defense Cooperation
The Iranian Mehr news agency quoted the Saudi Defense Minister as saying that he came with “expanding relations with Iran and cooperation in all fields on his agenda.” He also hoped that “the constructive talks will lay ground for stronger relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran than before.”
Moreover, the Saudi Defense Minister met with the Iranian Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Bagheri. According to Prince Khalid bin Salman, they reviewed bilateral relations and explored prospects for defense cooperation. They also discussed regional developments and related efforts.
After the meeting, Bagheri said that the good relations between Riyadh and Tehran cause frustration to enemies. The Iranian Chief of Staff expressed readiness to develop ties with Saudi Arabia. He also appreciated the Kingdom’s positions on Gaza and Palestine, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency.
