Saudi Army Chief Meets Iranian Counterpart in Tehran

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Facts

  • The general chief of staff of Saudi Arabia's armed forces, Fayyad al-Ruwaili, met with his Iranian counterpart, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, in Tehran on Sunday. The two reportedly explored possibilities for developing military and defense ties between their nations.[1][2]
  • The Saudi Defense Ministry said Al-Ruwaili — who's heading a high-level military team to Iran — discussed security and stability in the Middle East with Bagheri. Meanwhile, Iranian Pres. Masoud Pezeshkian and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call to discuss bilateral relations.[2][3]
  • In October, Saudi Arabia and Iran held military drills in the Sea of Oman. According to the Fars news agency, Bagheri said Iran would want Saudi Arabia to join its 2025 naval exercises 'either as participants or observers.'[4][5]
  • Last June, Iran reopened its Riyadh embassy, ending a seven-year diplomatic freeze. The China-mediated revival of ties concluded a period beginning with Saudi Arabia's execution of a Shia religious leader, and a Tehran mob's storming of the Saudi embassy in protest.[6][7]
  • The rivalry between the two nations during this tumultuous period influenced multiple regional conflicts, including wars in Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon, with tensions escalating in 2019 when Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked Saudi oil facilities.[6]

Sources: [1]Mehr News Agency, [2]Arab News, [3]Reuters, [4]Greater Kashmir, [5]News, [6]Washington Post and [7]Al Jazeera.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by The Century Foundation. This meeting marks a significant milestone in the deepening relationship between Tehran and Riyadh. Both nations are demonstrating a firm commitment to stability in the region. Their diplomatic accord has already proven unexpectedly resilient, offering new hope for peace in a region marked by decades of tension. The two pivotal powers can collaborate more fully for the security and prosperity of the Middle East.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Crisisgroup. Despite recent talks, both nations face deep-seated distrust, compounded by differing regional agendas and alliances. Riyadh can't overlook Iran's support for powerful regional proxies, while Tehran remains wary of Saudi ties to the US and potential normalization with Israel. Each side's vision for security sharply contrasts, with Iran aiming to reduce foreign influence in the region and Saudi Arabia leaning on it.

Predictions