Saudi Arabia’s armed forces chief, General Fayyad al-Ruwaili, visited Tehran to discuss defense relations with Iranian officials, following an agreement to restore ties after seven years of hostility. This visit reflects ongoing efforts to enhance military collaboration and stability in the Middle East, particularly amid changes in U.S. leadership and recent diplomatic exchanges.
On Sunday, the Chief of Staff of the Saudi armed forces, General Fayyad al-Ruwaili, arrived in Tehran for discussions with Iranian military officials regarding defense cooperation, as reported by the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff. This visit comes ahead of Donald Trump’s anticipated second term as President of the United States, who aims to foster peace in the Middle East following his administration’s role in the Abraham Accords that pursued normalization of relations between Arab nations and Israel. Although Saudi Arabia has yet to formalize diplomatic relations with Israel, discussions regarding the establishment of such ties have been held between U.S. officials and Saudi leadership, particularly involving Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During General al-Ruwaili’s visit, he led a high-ranking delegation and engaged in talks with Iran’s Armed Forces Chief, Major General Mohammad Bagheri. Their discussions reportedly focused on enhancing diplomatic defense ties and increasing bilateral cooperation. Last year, General Bagheri and Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, engaged in a phone conversation to deliberate on regional dynamics and to bolster collaborative defense efforts. Separately, it has been reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian communicated with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, although details of their conversation were not disclosed. This visit and subsequent discussions follow a March 2023 agreement between Tehran and Riyadh, mediated by China, to restore relations after seven years of hostilities that have exacerbated regional tensions across the Middle East.
The history of strained relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran stems from sectarian tensions and geopolitical rivalries that have fueled conflicts in the region. The recent military discussions signify an effort to mend ties and stabilize relations amidst ongoing regional conflicts. The involvement of external parties, such as the United States and China, in facilitating dialogue between the two nations underscores the significant international interest in achieving peace and stability in the Gulf region.
The visit of General Fayyad al-Ruwaili to Tehran illustrates a noteworthy step toward strengthening defense ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran amidst a complex geopolitical landscape. This development, coupled with previous communications between their military leadership, indicates a potential thaw in relations after years of hostility. As regional dynamics evolve, continued dialogue may play a crucial role in fostering stability and cooperation in the Middle Eastern region going forward.
Original Source: www.jpost.com