Riyadh: Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, and Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held a phone conversation, marking the first official contact between the two defense chiefs since Mousavi's recent appointment, official Saudi sources revealed.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the two officials reviewed bilateral military relations and discussed regional developments during the conversation. They emphasized the importance of maintaining security and stability across the region, reflecting a tone of mutual cooperation and strategic dialogue. Riyadh strongly condemned the Israeli occupation's recent attacks on Iranian territory, labeling them as a clear violation of Iran's sovereignty and a blatant breach of international law.
Mousavi was appointed Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces on June 13 by Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei. His appointment followed the martyrdom of Lieutenant General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri in the latest Israeli war on Iran.
The phone call highlights growing diplomatic engagement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the field of defense coordination. It reflects an evolving regional landscape shaped by recent developments and shared concerns over regional stability and security.
In March 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark agreement in Beijing to restore diplomatic ties after years of strained relations. The Chinese-brokered deal included commitments to reopen embassies and respect each other's sovereignty. The accord marked a significant shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy, paving the way for renewed cooperation on a range of regional issues. Both nations have since taken cautious but deliberate steps toward reconciliation, and Iranian officials have consistently voiced a desire to protect this progress.