Saudi military chief visits Iran for high-level talks

New Delhi, Nov 11: Days after Donald Trump's victory as President of the United States, Saudi Arabia’s top military official, General Fayyad al-Ruwaili, visited Tehran for a high-level meeting with his Iranian counterpart, General Mohammad Bagheri.

This marks a significant step in the warming relations between the two regional powerhouses since they agreed to re-establish diplomatic ties in March 2023 after seven years of hostility reported Al Jazeera quoting officials.

The meeting, held at the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff Headquarters, highlighted the evolving relationship between the long-time rivals. General Bagheri emphasised the importance of bolstering "defence diplomacy" and enhancing bilateral cooperation, signalling a new chapter in security engagement.

He proposed that Saudi naval forces join Iranian naval exercises next year, either as active participants or observers, underscoring a willingness to deepen military ties.

This diplomatic visit is part of a broader effort by both countries to rebuild trust and stabilise the region. The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts by Iran and Saudi Arabia to navigate complex geopolitical challenges, including their historically opposing roles in regional conflicts like Syria and Yemen. While the two have often supported rival factions in these conflicts, the developing meeting and relations suggests a shift towards dialogue over confrontation.

Iranian President and Saudi Crown Prince Talked on Phone

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently discussed matters of mutual interest over the phone showcasing that the diplomatic outreach between two rivals is presently extending beyond military engagements.  However, President Pezeshkian informed the Crown Prince that he would be unable to attend an upcoming summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Riyadh due to scheduling conflicts, and instead, he would send the Iranian first vice president as his representative.

Analysts see this series of engagements as a cautious yet promising step towards reducing longstanding tensions and an attempt to build mutual confidence when the situation in West Asia continues to deteriorate and conflict continues to expand between Iran and Israel.

The backdrop of this détente traces back to 2016 when diplomatic ties were severed following attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran amid protests against the execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr by Saudi authorities.

The past few years have been marked by proxy conflicts and mutual suspicion, but the March 2023 agreement to restore relations, has paved the way for a cautious reset.In recent months, both nations have shown a willingness to engage more constructively.

However, challenges remain, including the present landscape of West Asia dotted with much uncertainty and increasing regional conflict, ongoing war between Israel and Gaza, Lebanon as well as the external influences that are stirring up discord between the two countries.

Tehran and Riyadh appear to be setting the groundwork for a more stable and cooperative future in the region, mindful of the shared risks posed by prolonged conflict and instability.

As West Asia faces shifting alliances and a complex geopolitical environment, the evolving relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia could significantly alter the region's security dynamics, potentially ushering in a new era of cautious cooperation and more so when the United States is seeing a shift in its leadership.