Saudi Crown congratulates Iran's new President Massoud Pezeshkian

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, called Iran's newly elected President Massoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday to congratulate him on his recent election victory, according to Saudi state media reports.

During the phone call, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the "development of relations between the two countries" and expressed their desire to "continue strengthening cooperation in various fields," the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

In March 2023, Saudi Arabia, the leading Gulf Arab monarchy, and the Islamic Republic of Iran resumed diplomatic relations after a seven-year break, thanks to a China-brokered agreement.

As two major powers in the Middle East, both nations have historically supported opposing sides in regional conflicts but have been showing increasing signs of rapprochement.

King Salman of Saudi Arabia had also congratulated President Pezeshkian on July 6, following the second round of the Iranian presidential election.

"We extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes for success and achievement, hoping to continue developing the relations that bind our two countries and our brotherly peoples," the Saudi monarch said in his message, as reported by SPA.

King Salman also emphasized his desire to "continue coordination and consultation (between the two countries) to strengthen regional and international peace and security."

This recent exchange of congratulatory messages and mutual expressions of goodwill underscores the warming relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, signaling a potential new chapter in Middle Eastern diplomacy.