Iran's Araghchi holds key meeting with Saudi defense minister

TEHRAN, Jul. 09 (MNA) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a key meeting with Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Defense, in Saudi Arabia.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei and Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi were also present at the meeting.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the growing trajectory of bilateral relations and exchanged views on the latest regional security developments following the military aggression by the Zionist regime and the United States against Iran.

Araghchi welcomed the continued constructive security and defense consultations between the two countries, calling Prince Khalid’s recent visit to Tehran important and effective in advancing cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia toward strengthening peace and stability in the region.

The Iranian Foreign Minister described the Israeli military assault on Iran and the attack on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities as an unforgivable crime and an unprecedented act of aggression against regional and global peace and security. He also thanked Saudi Arabia for its responsible and firm stance in condemning the attack.

Araghchi said that the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran stems from the impunity it enjoys for its crimes against the Palestinian people and continued hostilities toward other regional countries. He stressed that regional states must recognize the grave consequences of Israel’s expansionist and hegemonic behavior and make greater efforts to build indigenous security mechanisms across West Asia.

Prince Khalid bin Salman reiterated Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of the Israeli military aggression against Iran and offered condolences over the martyrdom of several Iranian military officials and civilians during the assault.

The Saudi Defense Minister also warned of the dangerous implications of Israel’s recent lawless behavior for regional peace and stability, stressing the need for enhanced cooperation among regional countries to effectively confront sources of insecurity and instability.

Araghchi arrived in Jeddah on a short visit to Saudi Arabia, where he arrived from Brazil on Tuesday.

Araghchi met and held talks with his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan, in Mecca on Tuesday.

During the talk, the two top diplomats discussed bilateral ties, recent developments in the region, and issues of mutual interest.