Saudi Arabia’s Army Chief General Fayyad al-Ruwaili visited Tehran on November 10, 2024, for high-level discussions with Iranian officials aimed at strengthening defense relations. The meeting focused on increasing bilateral military cooperation, including potential joint naval exercises. This visit follows the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two nations in March 2023, after years of estrangement due to political conflicts.
On November 10, 2024, General Fayyad al-Ruwaili, Saudi Arabia’s Chief of Staff, arrived in Tehran for discussions with Iranian military officials, marking a significant development in bilateral relations following their rapprochement last year. His meeting with Iranian counterpart General Mohammad Bagheri focused on enhancing defense cooperation and establishing a framework for future military collaboration. Discussions included the prospect of integrating the Saudi navy into Iranian naval exercises planned for the forthcoming year. This high-level engagement reinforces the security dialogue initiated under the recently restored diplomatic ties between the two nations, which had been severed since 2016 due to geopolitical tensions.
The renewed diplomatic relationship between Iran, a Shiite-majority nation, and Saudi Arabia, a Sunni-majority state, was largely mediated by China and materialized unexpectedly in March 2023 after years of estrangement. This rift originated from the backlash against Saudi Arabia’s execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr in 2016, which incited protests and attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. Historically rivals, both countries have supported opposing factions in various regional conflicts, including those in Syria and Yemen. The recent military dialogues signify a significant shift in regional dynamics and a potential thawing of long-standing hostilities.
The meeting between the military leaders of Saudi Arabia and Iran symbolizes a pivotal shift towards improved defense relations and regional stability. By exploring military collaboration, including the possibility of naval exercises together, both nations are taking significant steps to rebuild trust and foster cooperation. As the international community watches closely, these developments may lead to a broader peace initiative in the Middle East, highlighting the importance of dialogue in resolving longstanding rivalries.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
