Iranian FM meets with Saudi crown prince

RIYADH: The Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi held talks with the Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman in Riyadh on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the two focused on the current situation in the Middle East, as the region reels from the bombardment and brutality of Israeli military.

The meeting was reported by the Saudi state news agency (SPA).

Read more: Iranian president extends invitation to Saudi crown prince

As a major oil exporter, Saudi Arabia has pursued a political rapprochement with Tehran recently, years after the bitter rivals in the region held high animosity.

Iran has also in recent times sought to have closer, friendly ties with the countries in its neighbourhood, with the late Iranian president Hossein Amir-Abdollahian having visited several neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, this year alone before his unexpected death.

With both regional powers willing to work towards a reconciliation, it has contributed to a reduction in the regional tensions. However, glaring issues still persist.

A senior Iranian official stated that the Iranian FM’s discussions would include bilateral issues and efforts to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza.

The Iranian minister is also expected to visit Qatar later.

The Middle East remains on edge following Israeli bombardment of not just Gaza and occupied-West Bank, but weeks-long relentless strikes on Lebanon that has killed thousands and even Damascus, Syria.

The occupying forces even threatened to attack Iran when it would be “least expected”.

Due to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh right in the heart of Tehran while attending Abdollahian’s funeral earlier this year, and later Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah’s death in an Israeli strike, Iran responded in kind by firing several missiles towards Israel, which were almost all intercepted.

Hamas and Hezbollah are backed by Iran in their resistance against Israel occupation of Palestine.

Earlier this week, Iranian officials also warned the prosperous Gulf Arab states that it would be “unacceptable” for them to allow the use of their airspace or military bases against Iran, cautioning that such actions would elicit a “response”.

Read more: Saudi crown prince fears assassination over Israel relations

Meanwhile, several news outlet revealed the Saudi Crown Prince reportedly saying he personally “doesn’t care” about Gaza conflict, as the conservative kingdom under the de facto ruler aims to modernise his country to boost tourism.

Muhammad bin Salman in recent years has very openly hinted at recognising Israel, though it hinges on the establishment of a Palestinian state.