Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman recently undertook a landmark visit to Tehran — the first visit by a senior Saudi royal to Iran in over two decades. During his visit, Prince Khalid held high-level meetings with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, Armed Forces Chief Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian. During the meeting, Prince Khalid delivered a letter from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz to Khamenei. Both delegations discussed ways to enhance security cooperation, promote regional stability and broaden bilateral economic engagement.
Following Prince Khalid’s visit, Khamenei said, “Relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia are beneficial for both countries…It is much better if the brothers in the West Asian region cooperate and assist each other instead of depending on others.” Iran’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati described the visit as a “turning point” in bilateral ties, expressing optimism about the future of Iran-Saudi relations.
The very possibility of such a visit signals a significant shift in bilateral relations that could have only been possible through intensive behind-the-scenes diplomacy and to some extent Tehran’s ability to provide Riyadh with credible and reassuring commitments on longstanding regional issues. It is important to note that there have been multiple discussions in recent months between top officials from both countries. In November 2024, Saudi Arabia’s Chief of Staff General Fayyad al-Ruwaili met his Iranian counterpart Bagheri in Tehran to discuss issues pertinent to regional security as well as defense cooperation.
The timing of the recent visit is particularly significant as it comes amid the US-Iran nuclear negotiations. Saudi officials have expressed their support for Iran’s engagement in the talks, calling it a step toward broader regional peace and stability. The visit also coincides with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s trip to Moscow and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi’s Tehran visit. Saudi Arabia’s leadership within the Islamic world, combined with its expanding diplomatic influence positions it as a pivotal power amid the ongoing geopolitical shifts. Against this backdrop, recent high-level exchanges reflect Iran’s recognition of Saudi Arabia’s strategic leverage and geopolitical influence.
For Iran, reaching out to Saudi Arabia is more crucial than ever, as regional engagement is key to addressing the country’s lingering economic challenges. Without such cooperation, Iran’s economy is unlikely to achieve significant growth, a point emphasized by Pezeshkian on several occasions. Pezeshkian’s government offers a potential opening for improving relations with the Gulf, particularly through economic and diplomatic initiatives. Nonetheless, his actions will have to align with the interests of powerful “conservative” factions, including the IRGC which has for long resisted such engagements. It is also important to note that while Pezeshkian is seen as a moderate, his ability to pursue initiatives with the Gulf and beyond is shaped by the broader political landscape in Iran. The country’s decision-making process is significantly influenced by the supreme leader, who wields considerable power over key foreign and security policies which has historically limited the scope for reforms and foreign initiatives that diverge from traditional “hardliner” positions.
Iran recognizes that in its current weakened position, perhaps the most vulnerable since 1979 — it cannot maintain its regional posture without first opening up and building trust with its Arab neighbors. In the face of rapid and unprecedented shifts in the regional balance of power, it is increasingly clear that constructive engagement with Saudi Arabia is vital for Iran. The recent meeting signals that a key objective of the discussion was to achieve regional security and stability. This dialogue could pave the way for future military and security cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Iran also recognizes that Saudi Arabia’s security concerns must be addressed as part of any broader engagement with the United States. Given that the US military presence in the region and Saudi security are closely interconnected, they cannot be treated as separate issues. The future of Iran’s proxies will also be a critical factor in determining whether regional stability can be restored in a manner that aligns with Riyadh’s national and regional security interests.
For Saudi Arabia, multiple factors shape its engagement with Iran. The US military buildup in the Red Sea and ongoing tensions between the Houthis and the United States remain significant concerns for Riyadh. While Iran has urged the Houthis to de-escalate tensions, likely in an attempt to avoid aggressive US action and to enhance prospects for a nuclear deal, it remains uncertain how Iran’s regional proxies will respond to recent developments in US-Iran negotiations. The situation in Yemen is especially critical as it threatens maritime security and stability which has been a major point of contention between Iran and Saudi Arabia. As per reports, the discussions during Prince Khalid’s recent visit also centered on these issues, especially with Saudi Arabia’s envoy to Yemen included in Saudi Arabia’s high-level delegation. The Palestinian issue represents another major point of concern for both Saudi Arabia and Iran, particularly in light of ongoing and escalating Israeli aggression. Establishing a unified stance on this matter is crucial for advancing efforts toward a viable and sustainable solution for Palestinians. Both countries share an interest in addressing the humanitarian crisis, and their cooperation could help forge a more cohesive international position.
Agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia on issues of mutual interest is essential to maintaining existing investments and fostering new economic opportunities for Iran with the Gulf states. As per reports, Iran’s non-oil exports to Saudi Arabia have already significantly increased in the last year, reflecting the rapid changes in bilateral trade since both countries resumed relations in 2023. Recognizing the opportunity to adjust to the evolving geopolitical landscape, other regional countries like Lebanon, Iraq and Syria are also increasingly looking to engage constructively with Saudi Arabia, particularly in terms of economic ties.
The Trump administration seeks to preserve and expand US strategic partnerships with Gulf allies. Any attempts by Iran to undermine these efforts could provoke a strong response from the Trump administration, making Iran’s constructive engagement in the nuclear talks and regional security all the more important. Ever since President Donald Trump’s return to power, Iran has been under pressure as Washington has repeatedly warned of military action if Tehran fails to reach a nuclear agreement. Iran’s nuclear advancements and threshold proximity give it leverage, but the United States still negotiates from a position of strength, aiming for a longer, stronger deal. A nuclear agreement presents a safer and less costly option, especially given that the Gulf states are wary of the risks and costs of another military conflict. In this context, Prince Khalid’s visit to Tehran and the recent developments in Saudi-Iran relations reflect both countries’ willingness to manage tensions bilaterally as well as Saudi attempts to ensure that Iran continues in a positive manner to ensure that a satisfactory nuclear agreement is reached to avoid military risks and escalation in the region.
