In the first telephone call between Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman since the resumption of ties brokered by China, the leaders discussed the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The call took place against the backdrop of Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip in response to an attack by Palestinian Hamas militants in Israel.
Iranian state media reported that Raisi and the Saudi crown prince emphasized the "need to end war crimes against Palestine." On the Saudi side, the crown prince affirmed the Kingdom's efforts to engage with international and regional parties to halt the escalating situation. He reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to avoiding any harm to civilians.
The U.S. State Department, staunchly supporting Israel in its conflict with Hamas, noted that it is in constant contact with Saudi leaders. The U.S. is urging its partners, including those with connections to Hamas, Hezbollah, or Iran, to work towards de-escalation and the cessation of attacks by Hamas. The objectives include securing the release of hostages, preventing Hezbollah's involvement, and keeping Iran from further involvement in the conflict.
