Saudi Defense Minister Visits Tehran Amid Rising Tensions: Yemen and Palestine at the Core of Talks
In a significant visit with political and security implications, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman, arrived in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Thursday. During his official trip, he met with top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The visit drew widespread media attention, reflecting its regional and international importance. It comes at a time of heightened tensions, particularly with the recent escalation of U.S. military operations against Houthi positions in Yemen and growing concerns over a potential broader conflict that could directly involve Iran.
Notably, Prince Khalid was accompanied by Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed Al Jaber, signaling that the Yemeni crisis was a central topic in the bilateral discussions. The continued intransigence of the Houthi militia toward peaceful initiatives remains a major obstacle, despite ongoing Saudi efforts to pave the way for a political solution.
Following the meetings, Prince Khalid stated that, under directives from the Saudi leadership, he delivered a written message from King Salman bin Abdulaziz to Supreme Leader Khamenei and conveyed the Kingdom’s greetings during his talks with President Pezeshkian. He emphasized that the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional and global developments.
Prince Khalid also met with Iran’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Bagheri. Their talks covered key regional issues, with special attention to the Palestinian cause and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. General Bagheri expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s stance on Palestine, indicating a notable alignment in perspectives on the matter.
Yemen at the Heart of the Visit
The presence of Ambassador Mohammed Al Jaber in the delegation underscores Saudi Arabia’s determination to find a resolution to the protracted Yemeni conflict. Riyadh continues to push for dialogue among Yemeni factions, though progress has been hampered by persistent Houthi defiance and increasing threats of regional escalation.
This visit also comes shortly after Saudi officials denied reports suggesting the Kingdom’s involvement in joint discussions with the United States regarding a potential ground operation in Yemen. According to Reuters, a Saudi official described those reports as false and reaffirmed that the Kingdom is not part of any such plans.
Also read
Saudi Arabia has categorically denied media reports claiming its involvement in discussions with the United States regarding a potential ground offensive by Yemeni factions against...
The U.S.-based magazine The National Interest has reported that the United States has deployed F-35 fighter jets to Jordan in a strategic move aimed at deterring Iran and Yemen s H...
Comments