Saudi defense chief meets Iran supreme leader in historic Tehran visit
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei emphasized that regional cooperation among 'brothers' is needed rather than reliance on outside foreign powers
In a significant diplomatic development, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, met with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran on Thursday, delivering an official message from King Salman and signaling a new phase of cooperation between the two regional powers.
According to IRNA, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed optimism about strengthening ties between the two countries. “We believe that the relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia will be beneficial for both countries, and the two countries can complement each other,” he said, adding that regional cooperation among “brothers” is preferable to reliance on foreign powers.
The Islamic Republic's supreme leader acknowledged that the path to improved ties faces “hostile motives” but stressed Iran’s readiness to overcome these challenges and support Saudi Arabia in various areas of progress.
The Saudi defense minister, brother of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MbS), echoed this sentiment during the meeting, which was also attended by Iran’s military chief, Major General Mohammad Bagheri.
“I have come to Tehran with the agenda of expanding relations with Iran and cooperation in all fields,” the Saudi minister said. “We hope that the constructive talks will provide stronger relations between Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran than in the past.”
During the meeting, the defense minister delivered a letter from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz to the Iranian supreme leader. No announcement was made about its contents.
The visit marks a continuation of the diplomatic thaw following years of hostilities that saw the two nations on opposing sides of regional conflicts, particularly in Yemen and Syria. Relations were severed in 2016 but restored after a landmark normalization deal brokered by China in April 2023.
Tasnim News Agency reported that Khalid bin Salman was formally received by General Bagheri, a senior commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Saudi Arabia still designates as a terrorist organization. The two discussed strengthening defense ties, regional stability, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
The meeting comes at a sensitive time, as Iran resumes indirect nuclear negotiations with the US amid threats of military action. Saudi Arabia, a close US ally, has long opposed Iran’s nuclear ambitions but now appears increasingly invested in regional dialogue.
In parallel, the Saudi Press Agency noted that discussions would cover bilateral issues and regional security, underscoring a mutual desire to de-escalate tensions and establish a more cooperative framework for the future.