Iran, Saudi Arabia top military officials hold strategic defense talks
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In their first call, Iran’s new Armed Forces chief and the Saudi defense minister discuss military ties and regional security.
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Commander of the Iranian army Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi speaks during an annual rally in front of the former US Embassy in Tehran, Iran, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 (AP)
Iran is fully prepared to deliver a decisive response if Israeli aggression is repeated, the Chief of the Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, stressed on Sunday.
Speaking with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in a phone call, the first official contact between the two defense chiefs since Mousavi's recent appointment, the Iranian military chief relayed serious doubts about the enemy’s commitment to its obligations, including the ceasefire.
Key issues discussed
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 mutual cooperation and strategic dialogue.
In this context, Mousavi highlighted that the aggression was unleashed despite the Islamic Republic of Iran’s restraint and while indirect talks were underway with Washington. “These two regimes have shown no commitment to any international rule or norm, and this was proven to the world during the 12-day imposed war,” he said.
“We were not the ones who started the war, but we responded to the aggressor with full force," Mousavi asserted, adding, "Since we seriously doubt the enemy’s commitment to its obligations, including the ceasefire, we are fully prepared to deliver a firm response in case of repeated aggression."
On his part, the Saudi defense minister highlighted his country's strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation’s recent attacks on Iranian territory, labeling them a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty and a blatant breach of international law.
Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz added that the Saudi government did not merely condemn the acts of aggression but made significant efforts to end the war and stop the aggression.
He also expressed condolences over the martyrdom of several commanders of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Armed Forces during the recent Israeli war.
Mousavi was appointed Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces on June 13 by Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei. His appointment followed the martyrdom of Lieutenant General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri in the latest Israeli war on Iran.
Growing diplomatic engagement
The phone call also highlighted 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.
