WANA (Sep 16) – Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, during his official visit to Riyadh. The meeting took place at Al-Yamamah Palace.

 

Talks focused on bilateral relations and regional developments. Larijani arrived in the Saudi capital earlier in the day at the invitation of the Saudi Minister of Defense, heading a high-level delegation. He was accompanied by Ali Bagheri Kani, Deputy for International Affairs at the Supreme National Security Council, and Mohammad Ali Bek, Special Assistant to the Foreign Minister for Persian Gulf Affairs.

 

This visit comes as part of the ongoing diplomatic momentum between Tehran and Riyadh. Earlier in April, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman had traveled to Tehran in what observers saw as a signal of both sides’ determination to strengthen ties. Khalid bin Salman is regarded not only as a key military figure but also as an influential representative of the younger generation shaping Saudi foreign policy.

 

Just a day before Larijani’s trip, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had also met with the Saudi Crown Prince on the sidelines of the emergency summit of Islamic and Arab leaders in Doha. In that meeting, Pezeshkian stressed the importance of deepening cooperation between the two countries, saying: “If Islamic nations stand united, the Zionist regime will not dare to attack any Muslim country.”

For his part, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed the growing relations among major Islamic countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, underlining that the Islamic world must further strengthen its capabilities to defend its independence and dignity, and to counter aggression and expansionism.

 

Beyond security and political dialogue, Larijani’s visit is also expected to prioritize expanding economic cooperation, opening the way for a potential new chapter in Iran–Saudi relations.