Saudi Crown Prince and Iran's Foreign Minister Meet

CAIRO (Reuters) – Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araqchi discussed developments in the region at a meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday, according to the Saudi state news agency (SPA).

Saudi Arabia, a leading oil exporter, has fostered a political rapprochement with Tehran in recent years, which has eased regional tensions, although relations remain strained.

A senior Iranian official stated that Araqchi would address bilateral issues and discuss efforts to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza during his visit. He is also expected to visit Qatar later that day.

Tensions in the Middle East remain high as the world awaits Israel's response to an Iranian missile strike last week, which was in retaliation for Israel's escalation against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon—a conflict that runs parallel to the Gaza war.

Earlier this week, Tehran warned Gulf Arab states that it would find it "unacceptable" if they permitted the use of their airspace or military bases against Iran, threatening a strong response to any such action.