Saudis Kept US Informed on Talks with Iran, Says White House

Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council John Kirby responds to a question from the news media during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 02 March 2023. (EPA)
Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council John Kirby responds to a question from the news media during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 02 March 2023. (EPA)
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Saudis Kept US Informed on Talks with Iran, Says White House

Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council John Kirby responds to a question from the news media during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 02 March 2023. (EPA)
Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council John Kirby responds to a question from the news media during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 02 March 2023. (EPA)

Saudi Arabia kept Washington informed of its talks with Iran to restore diplomatic relations but the United States was not directly involved, White House spokesman John Kirby said on Friday.

The road map announced on Friday was the result of several rounds of talks, including some held in Baghdad and Oman.

"The Saudis did keep us informed about these talks that they were having, just as we keep them informed on our engagements, but we weren't directly involved."

The White House believes that internal and external pressure, including effective Saudi deterrence against attacks from Iran or its proxies, ultimately brought Iran to the table, Kirby said.

"We support any efforts to de-escalate tensions there and in the region. We think it's in our interests, and it's something that we worked on through our own effective combination of deterrence and diplomacy."



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Cooperation to Serve Humanity, Sustainable Growth

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Cooperation to Serve Humanity, Sustainable Growth

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs a Cabinet session - SPA

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the Cabinet session held Tuesday in Jeddah.
The Cabinet reviewed overall state activities, particularly those aimed at developing cooperation and partnership relations, and enhancing areas of coordination and integration with brotherly and friendly countries.

According to SPA, this focus will reinforce the Kingdom's position and pivotal role on the global stage, given the promising opportunities and unique capabilities provided by its vision.
The Cabinet also discussed the outcomes of Saudi Arabia’s participation in various regional and international meetings, underscoring its ongoing commitment to joint action that serves mutual interests, benefits all parties, and contributes to addressing global challenges.
The Cabinet noted the Kingdom’s participation in the World Summit on the Information Society in Switzerland, where it reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing digital cooperation and supporting the International Telecommunication Union's goals that aim to harness modern technologies to serve humanity and promote sustainable growth.
In his remarks to the Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of State, Cabinet Member for Shura Council Affairs, and Acting Minister of Media Dr. Essam bin Saeed stated that the Cabinet expressed its appreciation for the commendation received at the High-Level Meeting on Sand and Dust Storms, held at the United Nations Headquarters. The meeting praised the Kingdom’s efforts to protect the environment at local, regional, and global levels, as well as its effective initiatives in developing early warning systems and fostering scientific cooperation to mitigate the impacts of dust storms.
The Cabinet noted the significant achievements of the Financial Sector Development Program and the Human Capability Development Program. These initiatives have successfully contributed to enhancing financial sustainability, supporting the national economy, and boosting the competitiveness of national cadres both locally and globally. This success has been achieved through a continuous system of education and learning that aligns with the evolving needs and requirements of the labor market.
The Cabinet also commended the efforts of government agencies involved in launching and integrating the artificial intelligence (AI) curriculum across all levels of general education. This strategic initiative aims to prepare a generation equipped with future-ready skills, accelerating the transition to a knowledge-based society and solidifying the Kingdom’s global position in advanced technologies.
The Cabinet considered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in the growth of international tourism receipts in the first quarter of 2025 as a reflection of the rapid development in this vital sector, which now leads in international indicators.