Ayatollah Khamenei Urges Deeper Iran-Saudi Cooperation Amid High-Level Talks

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has emphasized that strengthened relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will serve the interests of both nations, highlighting the potential for the two regional powers to complement each other in various domains.

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks on Thursday during a meeting in Tehran with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, who conveyed a message from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.

In his address, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that while the development of bilateral ties between Tehran and Riyadh faces resistance from certain actors, such opposition must be overcome. He affirmed Iran’s full readiness to move forward in enhancing relations and countering any hostile efforts aimed at derailing the progress.

Touching on Iran’s advancements in various sectors, the Leader expressed Tehran’s willingness to extend support and cooperation to Saudi Arabia. He further underscored the value of mutual assistance among neighboring and brotherly countries, stating that collaboration among such nations is preferable to reliance on external parties.

Also present at the meeting was Major General Mohammad Baqeri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces. During the discussions, Prince Khalid bin Salman conveyed Saudi Arabia’s intent to deepen cooperation with Iran across multiple sectors and voiced optimism that ongoing constructive engagements would pave the way for more robust bilateral relations.

Prince Khalid, who is heading a senior military delegation, arrived in Tehran earlier on Thursday. In addition to his meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei, the Saudi defense minister held talks with General Baqeri and other key military and political officials, signaling a continued thaw and potential expansion in the ties between the two influential regional players.