Barsam Mohammadi – Regional Affairs Expert

This visit, which is considered a “turning point” in the relations between the two countries from the perspective of regional affairs analysts, is important in various aspects, the important ones of which are mentioned here:

One: This is the first time in more than 25 years that the Saudi Defense Minister has traveled to Iran at the head of a high-ranking delegation consisting of military, political, and economic figures, and the presence of the Saudi Ambassador to Yemen in this delegation was also notable. The meeting and discussion with the Supreme Leader of the Revolution, the delivery of the message of the Saudi King to him, and the expression of Riyadh’s clear and unprecedented interest in expanding bilateral relations in all fields were important.

Two: This trip and the talks conducted indicate a realistic approach by Saudi Arabia towards Iran. Some believe that Khalid bin Salman’s trip should be analyzed under the Iran-US negotiations, because they consider it to be influenced by the recent atmosphere created in Tehran-Washington relations; However, it should be noted that Khalid bin Salman’s trip was planned four months ago, so it has little connection with the Muscat talks or the indirect Tehran-Washington interaction atmosphere.

The fact that the Saudi Minister of Defense raised the idea of ​​expanding comprehensive and unlimited cooperation in his meeting with the Supreme Leader is also an approach that has never been seen before.

Three: Since the resumption of Iran-Saudi relations in 2023, which began with the Beijing talks, some believed that Saudi Arabia’s view of relations with Iran was a “tactical” one. However, the recent visit of the Saudi Minister of Defense to Tehran indicates that Riyadh is pursuing a “strategic partnership” with Iran in the region.

Four: Khalid bin Salman’s political-economic, defense, military, etc. consultations in Tehran and the two sides’ emphasis on expanding cooperation in all fields can have an “effective” role in implementing major plans in the economic, trade, energy, cultural, and defense fields, as well as deepening and strengthening relations between the two countries.

Strengthening trade exchanges, joint investments, and cooperation in “infrastructure projects” can benefit the economies of both countries. Also, cooperation in the energy field, especially oil and gas, can help stabilize the global energy market.

At the same time, strengthening cultural, artistic, and sports exchanges plays an important role in mutual understanding and reducing misunderstandings between the people of the two countries. Facilitating tourism is also one of the paths that can lead to economic prosperity and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Five: The development of comprehensive cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which the Saudi Defense Minister seriously proposed in Tehran, can provide the necessary basis for collective and regional cooperation that encompasses common interests and guarantees peace and stability in the region.

For years, analysts have agreed that strengthening relations between the two countries can contribute to greater “peace and stability” in the region, and that developing cooperation in areas such as combating terrorism, resolving regional conflicts, and managing crises will lead to greater peace and security in the region.

Cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, as two important countries in the region and the Islamic world that enjoy “unique” geopolitical, geostrategic, and geoeconomic positions and capacities, will be a very important factor in strengthening the position and influence of the Islamic world in the current world.

The expansion of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia creates many opportunities for peace, stability, and development in the region. However, there are also “obstacles” and “challenges” at the regional and international levels, especially from the Zionist regime, which must be managed with vigilance by both sides to avoid any potential issues. Success in this area will require strong political will, trust-building, and a focus on common interests.