Saudi Defence Minister Visits Tehran Ahead of Iran-US Nuclear Talks, Signalling New Chapter in Regional Ties

Tehran, April 18 In a significant diplomatic development, Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman arrived in Tehran on Thursday for an official visit, just days before the second round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Rome. During his visit, Prince Khalid met with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and delivered a special message from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Iran and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Diplomatic Relations

According to Iranian state media, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that “relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are mutually beneficial,” and reiterated Tehran’s readiness to remove all obstacles hindering deeper cooperation with Riyadh. This meeting marks a new phase in diplomatic relations, especially following years of animosity and geopolitical rivalry.

This visit follows the landmark 2023 agreement brokered by China, which saw the two regional powerhouses restore diplomatic ties after years of severed relations due to conflicting regional interests.

Military Cooperation Gains Momentum

Prince Khalid also met with Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri, who highlighted improved military-to-military engagement. Bagheri noted that, “Since the Beijing Agreement, there has been significant progress in relations between the Iranian and Saudi military institutions.”

The visit is seen as a strategic move to consolidate peace and regional stability, especially with rising global attention on Middle Eastern affairs.

Nuclear Talks With US on the Horizon

The timing of Prince Khalid’s visit is especially notable, as it precedes a high-stakes second round of talks between Iran and the US, scheduled to take place in Rome this weekend. The discussions are expected to center around Iran’s controversial uranium enrichment program, a longstanding point of contention with the West.

Saudi Arabia has welcomed the Iran-US negotiations, describing them as a positive step towards resolving regional and global tensions. Riyadh’s support adds further weight to the possibility of diplomatic breakthroughs.