Iran’s interim Foreign Minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, described the evolving relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia as “progressive” and emphasized Tehran's commitment to expanding comprehensive ties with Riyadh.
During a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Friday night, Bagheri Kani expressed gratitude for the facilities and services provided to Iranian pilgrims during the Hajj rituals.
He also praised a recent meeting with Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed al-Khereiji in Tehran during the 19th Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) ministerial meeting, calling the current diplomatic relations “promising.”
Bagheri Kani highlighted ongoing Israeli actions against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, criticizing the Israeli regime's threats against Lebanon as an extension of its aggression.
“The Zionist regime’s threats against Lebanon are in line with its crimes against Gaza’s population. The ill-thought-out occupying Israeli regime is trying to make up for its defeat in Gaza by expanding the scope of war and crimes to other regions,” Bagheri Kani stated.
He urged all Muslim states to use their capacities to end Israeli crimes, threats, and acts of aggression in Gaza and across West Asia.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan expressed satisfaction with the recent talks between Saudi and Iranian officials at the ACD meeting in Tehran, noting that relations between Riyadh and Tehran are steadily improving.
The Saudi Foreign Minister also voiced concerns over rising tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border, calling for initiatives to de-escalate the situation.
Additionally, Bagheri Kani and bin Farhan discussed further developing comprehensive relations between their countries and exchanged views on recent regional developments and other mutual interests.
In March of last year, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic relations, which were severed in 2016, under a Chinese-brokered deal. As part of a joint statement, both countries committed to implementing a security cooperation agreement from April 2001 and another accord from May 1998 to enhance ties in various sectors.
