Tehran – A visit to Iran with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defence, Prince Khalid bin Salman, has been hailed as a pivotal step towards deepening bilateral relations, with Iranian officials underscoring the strategic importance of cooperation between the forces of the two regions.
Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a senior member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, highlighted the importance of the trip, noting that Prince Khalid’s role as vice-criminal prince and that Saudi Arabia’s third-ranked official reflected Riyadh’s commitment to relations.
“The presence of Saudi Arabian defense minister in Tehran, who has sent his message from King Salman to the leaders of the Islamic Revolution, shows a clear determination to open a new page,” Borgeldi told Iranian news agency on Saturday.
During his visit, Prince Khalid met with President Maud Pezeshkian, President Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, and Major General Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the Iranian army.
Boroujerdi highlights these interactions as evidence that they strengthen Saudi Arabia’s “special mission,” in line with Iran’s longstanding policy of fostering goodwill with neighbouring states.
“The Persian Gulf belongs to all coastal countries and by strengthening Iran and Saudi cooperation, it could catalyze the development of a transformative region,” Borgeldi added, expressing optimism that “shared ideals” will lead to concrete progress.
During his meeting with Prince Khalid, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the mutual benefits of close bonds.
“We believe that the relationship between the Islamic Republic and Saudi Arabia will benefit both countries as they can complement each other’s strengths,” the leader said according to a transcript released by his office.
He also highlighted Iran’s preparation for Saudi Arabia to support Saudi Arabia in areas of mutual interest, urging reliance on external forces “where cooperation between brother countries is much better than dependence on outsiders.”
The leader also acknowledged the challenges posed by “hostile forces” against improving Iran-Saudi relations, but reaffirmed Tehran’s determination to overcome such obstacles.
A social media post by Seyyed Mehrdad Seyyed-Mehdi, the Director of Public Relations for the Islamic Revolution Leader Bureau, reiterated this sentiment.
He said Prince Khalid explicitly identified as his priority “expanding ties with Iran” and criticised “specific actors, including Zionist regimes” in order to oppose Islamic unity.
Analysts suggest that the visit reflects changing regional dynamics, and that both countries are trying to lift tensions amid shared economic and security challenges.
The Saudi Defence Minister’s trip to Tehran follows Detante, a landmark China-broker in March 2023, and will restore diplomatic relations after years of tense relations.
The reconciliation reflects Iran’s principled diplomacy, prioritizing regional solidarity over division.
The two countries are taking mutual measures to rebuild trust, such as reopening embassies, reopening flights and fostering dialogue.
Ayatollah Khamenei’s emphasis on “brother collaboration over foreign dependence” underscores Tehran’s vision for multi-four Western Asia.