Iran, Saudi Arabia Stress on Deepening Bilateral Relations, and Expanding Mutual Economic Benefits

Ebrahim Azizi, Chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, stressed the need to deepen bilateral ties and enhance mutual economic benefits during a meeting in Riyadh with Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia.

Referring to the upward trajectory of relations between the two countries, Azizi expressed hope that the positive outcomes of the Beijing agreement would continue, noting that both sides have so far remained committed to its provisions.

Welcoming the meeting, he also thanked Saudi Arabia for its positions and support during the “12-Day War,” and expressed appreciation for the Kingdom’s support for Iranian pilgrims, as well as the coordination between Iran’s Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization and the relevant Saudi authorities.

For his part, Al-Khuraiji welcomed the presence of Iranian pilgrims and affirmed that the necessary coordination between Iran’s Hajj Organization and Saudi institutions had been carried out, with emphasis placed on facilitating services for pilgrims.
Azizi described the trajectory of relations between Tehran and Riyadh as positive and promising, highlighting numerous shared opportunities. “We share the same religion, the same Prophet, and the same Qibla,” he said, adding that relations should be guided in a way that secures mutual economic benefits for both nations. He expressed hope that Saudi officials would play a facilitating role in expanding economic cooperation.

Addressing regional security issues, Azizi noted that Iran and Saudi Arabia share responsibilities regarding regional developments and that enhanced cooperation between the two countries could contribute to greater regional stability.

Al-Khuraiji, referring to the broader regional context, stated that the region has endured multiple conflicts, most recently the Gaza war. During the “12-Day War,” he said, Saudi Arabia emphasized resolving issues through dialogue, given the sensitivity of regional circumstances.

He expressed hope that negotiations between Iran and the United States would lead to a peaceful resolution, adding that war serves no one’s interests. He also noted that Saudi national security is interconnected with developments in countries such as Sudan and Somalia.

Al-Khuraiji reiterated Riyadh’s principled position during the 12-day conflict, stating that Saudi Arabia had condemned Israel’s aggression against Iran.

In another part of his remarks, Azizi referred to talks with the United States, saying that despite Washington’s transformation of the negotiating table into a battlefield, Iran had returned to dialogue. However, he suggested that the U.S. side does not appear serious, arguing that it would otherwise have accepted the multiple proposals put forward by Iran. “The ball is now in America’s court,” he said.

He emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran opposes any destabilizing actions that could harm the region and expressed hope that the United States would adopt a rational approach.
Azizi also announced that he had invited the Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council and the head of its Foreign Affairs Committee to visit Iran, stating that there is serious determination in Tehran to expand relations and that parliamentary engagement can serve as a foundation for strengthening bilateral ties.

Warning against certain plans aimed at fragmenting regional states, he described issues such as Somaliland and efforts to divide Yemen as concerning developments. He added that, during the 12-day conflict, attempts were made against Iran’s territorial integrity, which he said were thwarted by the vigilance of the Iranian people.

Azizi concluded by stressing that Iran and Saudi Arabia face shared threats and that regional cooperation among Tehran, Riyadh, and other countries can help neutralize such challenges.

Al-Khuraiji, in closing, stated that the expansion of economic relations reflects political ties. While acknowledging that segments of Saudi Arabia’s private sector have concerns regarding sanctions, he said the Kingdom is making every effort to elevate relations, adding that Saudi leaders intend to develop ties gradually and step by step.

Members of the parliamentary delegation accompanying Azizi included Behnam Saeedi, Ruhollah Nejabat, and Ali Khazarian, all members of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament.