WANA (Apr 17) – Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, met with Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, during his official visit to Tehran at the invitation of the Iranian military. The high-level meeting marks a significant step in the ongoing rapprochement between the two regional powers.

 

Welcoming the Saudi delegation, General Bagheri expressed optimism about the strategic outcomes of the visit and underscored Iran’s longstanding policy of promoting regional security through cooperation among neighboring countries.

 

“Iran’s principled stance has always been that regional security should be ensured by the countries of the region themselves,” he said, adding that Iran and Saudi Arabia can play a pivotal role in realizing this objective.

 

He further emphasized that deepening bilateral cooperation would not only serve the interests of both nations but also contribute to sustainable peace, stability, and security across the region.

Chief of Iranian Armed Forces, Mohammad Bagheri, welcomes Saudi Defence Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, in Tehran, Iran, April 17, 2025. Iranian Armed Forces Office/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Highlighting the complex regional and international environment, General Bagheri reaffirmed the Iranian Armed Forces’ readiness to expand defense ties with Saudi Arabia in areas of mutual interest.

 

He also condemned the destabilizing role of the Israeli regime in the region and praised Saudi Arabia’s positions regarding the situation in Gaza and Palestine. “Confronting the crimes of the Zionist regime requires unity, solidarity, and coordinated positions from the Islamic world,” he stated.

 

General Bagheri noted that military relations between the two countries have been steadily improving since the signing of the Beijing agreement, which marked the resumption of diplomatic relations.

 

He stressed that regional security is a shared strategic interest and reiterated Iran’s policy of strengthening ties with its neighbors. Enhanced military cooperation between Tehran and Riyadh, he said, could serve as a model for the broader region.

 

He also thanked Saudi Arabia for sending observers to a recent regional maritime security exercise, adding that cordial relations between the two nations’ armed forces would demoralize their enemies and bring joy to their allies.

 

Prince Khalid bin Salman, for his part, conveyed greetings from King Salman and expressed gratitude for Iran’s hospitality. “Your warm reception is a reflection of the strong ties developing between our countries,” he said.

 

He emphasized that the evolving relationship between Riyadh and Tehran has a profound impact on regional and bilateral security. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to strengthening and expanding this vital relationship,” he noted.

 

Prince Khalid added that improving bilateral ties across various domains would yield positive outcomes for both nations and the region at large.

 

“Undoubtedly, ensuring security in the region and among Islamic countries requires the commitment and cooperation of all regional actors.”

 

At the end of the meeting, the Saudi Defense Minister extended an official invitation to General Bagheri to visit the Kingdom.