Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ali Reza Enayati, praised Saudi Arabia for helping ease tensions and reviving talks between the two nations. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he likened the progress to successes that normally take years. Enayati also emphasized the strength and depth of the renewed relationship and its solid foundations.
Enayati recalled that the two-year restoration of diplomatic ties began in March 2023, following a breakthrough meeting in Tehran between Saudi Prince Khalid bin Salman and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. He noted his own long history in Saudi Arabia, first serving as a consul in Jeddah in 1990 and later returning as ambassador in 2023.
Regarding recent Israeli strikes on Iran, Enayati condemned them as “open aggression.” He said they took place at night while people slept. He stressed that Iran had the right to defend itself under the UN Charter. He also praised the region for showing solidarity, including quick condemnations from Saudi officials and public support from Gulf states.
He highlighted strong Saudi backing during the crisis. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called his Iranian counterpart to denounce the strikes. Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman spoke with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian as a sign of unity. Enayati described Saudi Arabia’s role in calming the situation as “honorable” and welcomed all constructive actions by Riyadh.
Enayati pointed out that easing travel restrictions is a powerful sign of improved ties. This year, over 200,000 Iranians performed Umrah, and more than 400,000 visited Saudi Arabia when including Hajj pilgrims. He also mentioned ongoing talks on trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and youth engagement under the Beijing agreement, as well as plans for transport corridors linking Saudi Arabia with Central Asia. He concluded by saying that real regional security should be built on economic collaboration and mutual development—not military power.