Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman met with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday, in the first Saudi-Khamenei high-level encounter in nearly two decades, state news agency SPA reports. The minister also met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and together they “explored means of enhancing Saudi-Iranian relations and discussed various regional and international developments.”

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Bin Salman was also received by the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Baqheri and the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian to discuss military and defense cooperation.

Reading between the lines: The move underscores Saudi Arabia’s active role in mitigating a potential US-Iran security crisis. “Saudi is clearly sending a message to Tehran that it will not be a conduit in any fashion towards an attack on Iran,” Ali Shihabi, a Saudi commentator reportedly close to the royal court, told the Financial Times.

IN CONTEXT- The high-profile meetings occur amidst renewed US-Iran negotiations, with “constructive” indirect talks held in Oman lastweek. The parties agreed at their second round fof discussions yesterday to task a team of experts with drafting a framework for a potential nuclear agreement, Reuters reports, citing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The experts are set to begin work on Wednesday, focusing on scaling back Iran’s uranium enrichment activities in return for a limited sanctions relief. Top negotiators will reconvene next Saturday to review progress.

REMEMBER- The Kingdom’s relations with Iran — historically marred with regional rivalry — shifted towards rapprochement after Iraqi mediation and a China-brokered agreement in March 2023 led to restoration of bilateral ties and diplomatic missions.

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