Saudi FM Says Talks with Iran Still in ‘Exploratory’ Stage

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan - Reuters
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan - Reuters
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Saudi FM Says Talks with Iran Still in ‘Exploratory’ Stage

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan - Reuters
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan - Reuters

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan confirmed that talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran have started but remain in an “exploratory” stage.

“We have initiated some exploratory talks, they are at a very early stage,” he told AFP on Tuesday.

The kingdom’s top diplomat also voiced hope for Iranians realizing their interest in working with their neighbors positively to achieve security, stability, and prosperity.

When asked about the impact of the June 18 presidential elections in the cleric-led country would have on its regional policy, Farhan said it would be minimal.

“The role of the Supreme Leader is essential, so we do not believe that there will be any fundamental change in Iran’s foreign policy,” he said.

"Our understanding of Iran's foreign policy is that it's set by the Supreme Leader," he explained. "So we don't think there will be a substantial change."

Mohammed al-Silmi, who heads the RASANAH research center on Iran, said that the two states are still testing the waters regarding precursory “communication” and “trust-building.”

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly demonstrated its seriousness and desire to settle the conflict, Silmi told Asharq Al-Awsat, adding that unresolved positions inhibit the region’s growing interests.

Hostile media content released by Iran is ongoing. The chief researcher noted that no change was noticed, especially with Tehran supporting the latest controversial statements put out by the resigned Lebanese foreign minister.

Saudi Arabia is testing whether Iran, which is facing political isolation and stifling economic conditions, may adopt a new approach after reaching a conviction about the futility of any expected agreement that deals with its nuclear program without compatibility with its regional environment taking into account its concerns.

Based on that, Silmi concluded that no immediate developments are expected but predicted more relative de-escalation efforts after Riyadh having sent clear messages regarding its position on military operations committed by Iran-backed militias, like the Houthis in Yemen.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Support for Afghanistan’s Security and Stability

Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (SPA)
Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Support for Afghanistan’s Security and Stability

Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (SPA)
Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (SPA)

Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering support for Afghanistan’s security and stability on Tuesday, calling for respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while voicing deep concern over the humanitarian and economic challenges facing the Afghan people.

In an address before the UN General Assembly during a session on the situation in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, urged the international community to intensify efforts to deliver urgent humanitarian aid, alleviate suffering, and safeguard the rights of women and girls.

“The Kingdom stresses the importance of empowering Afghan women and enhancing their rights to education, work and participation in public life,” Al-Wasil told the gathering, citing the outcomes of the recent “Conference on the Status of Women in Islam,” hosted in Jeddah.

He also highlighted the humanitarian support extended by Saudi Arabia through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to addressing Afghanistan’s ongoing crises.

Al-Wasil warned against allowing Afghan territory to become a safe haven for terrorism or a hub for narcotics trafficking, which he said would pose a serious threat to regional and global security.

The Saudi envoy reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to supporting political, humanitarian and development initiatives aimed at achieving lasting stability in Afghanistan.