TEHRAN: In a historic diplomatic shift, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman visited Tehran on April 17, marking the first high-level Saudi royal visit to Iran since 1997. During his trip, Prince Khalid met with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Mohammad Hossein Baqeri.
The meetings signaled a strong intent from both nations to deepen bilateral cooperation and ensure regional security, following the 2023 China-brokered agreement that restored diplomatic ties after years of tension.
Ayatollah Khamenei described Iran and Saudi Arabia as potential “complementary partners,” warning of external enemies seeking to disrupt this new alliance. Prince Khalid conveyed King Salman’s message, emphasizing Riyadh’s commitment to expanding ties “across all areas.”
President Pezeshkian echoed this sentiment, highlighting Islamic unity and inviting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit Tehran. He stressed that regional problems can be solved through intra-Islamic cooperation without foreign interference.
Both nations agreed to strengthen collaboration in defense, economic investment, and joint regional efforts. The Saudi minister called the talks “constructive and hopeful,” suggesting that Iran and Saudi Arabia could become a model of unity in the Islamic world.
The visit underscores a turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics, setting a tone of cooperation between two historically rival nations.
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