Araghchi, bin Farhan discuss regional developments, bilateral ties

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
9 Jul 2025 10:46

Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi and Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan discuss bilateral ties and regional tensions, condemning Israeli-US aggression on Iran and affirming joint responsibility for regional stability.

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In this photo released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, left, and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan stand for a photo during their meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 10, 2025. (Iranian Foreign Ministry via AP)

The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan, addressing bilateral relations and key regional developments.

During the meeting, Araghchi stressed Iran's determination to deepen relations with Saudi Arabia across all fields of mutual interest, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation between Tehran and Riyadh in promoting regional stability and shared objectives.

Araghchi told bin Farhan that the unified position of regional and Islamic countries in condemning the Israeli-US aggression against Iran demonstrates the vital shared responsibility of the region’s states in confronting the Israeli threat, its hegemonic ambitions, and its role in igniting conflicts.

The Iranian foreign minister harshly condemned the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people, as well as the continuous Israeli aggression on Lebanon and Syria, especially amid the UN Security Council’s silence and inaction.

He reiterated that the Israeli entity is the main source of instability in the region, emphasizing that its supporters must be held accountable for the crimes committed by the entity.

For his part, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan affirmed Saudi Arabia’s principled stance, shared by other regional countries, in condemning the aggression on Iran and the violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He stressed that Saudi Arabia is committed to exerting greater efforts to prevent further escalation and is ready to offer any assistance in this regard.

Enhanced diplomatic engagement as challenges arise

Last week, the Chief of the Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, held significant talks with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, which highlights increased discourse between both nations as regional challenges intensify.

During the conversation, the two officials discussed the 12-day war launched by "Israel" and the United States, as well as regional and bilateral issues. They emphasized the importance of maintaining security and stability across the region, reflecting a tone of cooperation and strategic dialogue.

The phone call also highlighted the growing diplomatic engagement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the field of defense coordination. It reflected an evolving regional landscape shaped by recent developments and shared concerns over regional stability and security.

In March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark agreement in Beijing to restore diplomatic ties after years of strained relations. The Chinese-brokered deal included commitments to reopen embassies and respect each other’s sovereignty.

The accord marked a significant shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy, paving the way for renewed cooperation on a range of regional issues. Both nations have since taken cautious but deliberate steps toward reconciliation, and Iranian officials have consistently voiced a desire to protect this progress.