Saudi Arabia, Iran Engage in Talks Following Tehran-Israel Truce

RIYADH — Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, just two weeks after a ceasefire began between regional rivals Iran and Israel.

During the talks, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed hope that the truce would help promote stability in the region. He also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for resolving disputes through diplomatic dialogue, according to a statement from the Saudi foreign ministry posted on X early Wednesday.

The Saudi ministry added that Abbas Araghchi conveyed his gratitude to Riyadh for condemning Israel’s attacks on Iran last month.

Israel launched a major bombing campaign against Iran on June 13, targeting military, nuclear, and residential sites. According to Tehran, the strikes killed over 1,000 people, including senior military commanders and nuclear scientists.

In response, Iran carried out waves of drone and missile attacks on Israel, which Israeli authorities said resulted in at least 28 deaths. Meanwhile, the US, which had been engaged in nuclear talks with Iran since April, conducted its own strikes on Iranian nuclear sites on June 22.

Although talks between Tehran and Washington have since stalled, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel has been in place since June 24. Historically, Iran and Saudi Arabia have often backed opposing sides in regional conflicts such as those in Syria and Yemen.

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