Iran’s Ambassador to Asharq Al-Awsat: Ties with Saudi Arabia Growing Through Deliberate Steps

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister during his meeting with the Iranian Vice President in Riyadh (SPA)

An Iranian official said relations with Saudi Arabia are steadily improving, with cooperation between the two countries driving regional growth and prosperity.
Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, told Asharq Al-Awsat that progress reflects the commitment of both nations' leaders.
“We have made significant strides, with more steps ahead to complete this journey,” he said.
Enayati hailed the launch of the first direct commercial flight between Dammam and Iran’s Mashhad on Tuesday after years of suspension. He said the new route would “ease travel and strengthen ties between the two nations and their people.”
Enayati emphasized that growing relations reflect the commitment of both countries’ leaders, citing Iran’s Vice President, who assured Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that there is “no turning back” on the partnership.
He also called the Saudi military chief’s recent visit to Tehran a key step in defense cooperation, adding, “We’ve made progress and will continue building on it.”
Enayati, praised the launch of direct commercial flights between Dammam and Mashhad, operating twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Unlike past flights, which were limited to Umrah pilgrims, these flights are open for broader use.
“This step boosts tourism and trade between the two countries,” Enayati said, adding that relations have steadily improved over the past year with ongoing communication between leaders, foreign ministers, and the public.
He noted that ties are growing in political, defense, cultural, and social areas, with plans to expand into economic and trade sectors. Enayati thanked Saudi officials for facilitating the flights and both governments for their support.
Enayati said Iranian and Saudi officials have exchanged several visits in recent months. “Ongoing meetings include Iran’s Economy Minister attending the Global Investment Conference, where he met with Saudi officials to discuss economic and trade cooperation,” he said.
He also highlighted Iran’s Agriculture Minister’s visit to the COP16 conference in Saudi Arabia, where he met his Saudi counterpart to explore joint opportunities.
Enayati emphasized that both countries, with their vast resources, have strong potential for cooperation that can boost regional growth and prosperity.
The Iranian diplomat said Tehran and Riyadh are steadily strengthening ties and highlighted the key role of academics in fostering these relations.
Enayati highlighted the recent visit of the head of Iran’s Center for Diplomatic Studies to Saudi Arabia, where he met the head of the Prince Saud al-Faisal Institute of Diplomatic Studies.
During the visit, the two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding, opening new opportunities to strengthen ties from both diplomatic and academic perspectives.
“I believe intellectual groups play a key role in deepening these relations for the benefit of both nations,” Enayati said. “These steps are carefully planned to boost cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia.”