In an important development for regional diplomacy, Saudi Arabia’s top military official, Fayyad al-Ruwaili, arrived in Tehran on November 10, 2024, to engage in discussions with Iranian officials. This meeting, reported by state media, is notable as it marks one of the few high-level encounters since the two nations restored diplomatic ties earlier this year.
Al-Ruwaili, who serves as the chief of staff for the Saudi armed forces, met with General Mohammad Bagheri, his Iranian counterpart, at the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff Headquarters in the capital. The official news agency IRNA highlighted that key topics for discussion centered around advancing defense diplomacy and broadening bilateral cooperation.
During their meeting, Bagheri emphasized the need for increased security collaboration between Iran and Saudi Arabia. He expressed a desire for the Saudi navy to take part in Iranian naval exercises planned for the following year, whether as active participants or observers. This proposal reflects a significant shift in the dynamics of military cooperation between the historically rival nations.
The backdrop of this renewed engagement traces back to March 2023, when Iran and Saudi Arabia rekindled their relations through a surprising deal brokered by China. The two countries had severed ties in 2016 following attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran, which had occurred during protests against the execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr by Riyadh. Since their estrangement, both nations have supported opposing factions in several regional conflicts, particularly in Syria and Yemen, which had further deepened their rivalry.
In a related telephone exchange in November 2023, Bagheri had previously underscored Iran’s willingness to enhance military relations with Saudi Arabia when he spoke with the Saudi defense minister. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia had indicated in October 2024 that it held military exercises with Iran and other nations in the Sea of Oman, signaling a thaw in military tensions.
In addition to the high-level military talks, reports emerged that Iraqi National Security Adviser Qassem al-Araji was expected to meet senior officials in Tehran, further illustrating the potential for increased diplomatic engagement in the region.
This latest meeting and combination of military exercises and high-level discussions signify a potential turning point in Iran-Saudi relations, as both countries seek to manage their historical rivalries and develop mutually beneficial diplomatic and military ties. As regional dynamics continue to evolve, the ramifications of these discussions could have significant implications for stability and cooperation in the broader Middle East.
