Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, in Riyadh on Wednesday to discuss regional developments, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The meeting marks another step in the recent rapprochement between the two regional powers, though relations remain strained.
Iranian officials said Araqchi’s agenda included bilateral issues and efforts to secure ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza. Araqchi is also scheduled to visit Qatar later in the day, according to Iranian sources.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, following an Iranian missile strike last week. Tehran launched the attack in response to Israel’s recent escalation against Iran-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, a conflict that has unfolded alongside the ongoing war in Gaza.
Earlier this week, Iran issued a warning to Gulf Arab states, cautioning that it would consider any use of their airspace or military bases for actions against Iran “unacceptable.” Tehran indicated that it would respond to any such move, raising the stakes as the region watches for Israel’s next steps.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, has moved cautiously towards easing long-standing hostilities with Iran. While diplomatic engagement between the two countries has helped reduce tensions, significant challenges remain.
