Iran and Saudi Arabia emphasised the importance of diplomacy and regional cooperation to prevent further escalation in the Middle East during a phone call between their top diplomats on Wednesday, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is currently in Beijing for talks with Chinese officials, held a phone conversation with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the ministry said in a statement.
The two sides discussed the latest regional developments and stressed the need to continue diplomatic efforts and coordination among regional countries to prevent rising tensions, according to the statement.
There was no immediate Saudi statement on the talks.
Earlier on Wednesday, Araghchi told his Chinese counterpart that Iran remains serious and steadfast in diplomacy while maintaining full readiness to respond to any “malicious act”.
Araghchi briefed Wang Yi during a meeting in Beijing on the latest diplomatic efforts and initiatives aimed at ending the US-Israeli war against Iran, including ongoing negotiations mediated by Pakistan between Tehran and Washington, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry.
“Iran, just as it acted decisively in defending itself and remains fully prepared to confront any aggression, is also serious and steadfast in the field of diplomacy,” Araghchi said.
The top diplomat also praised China’s stance against what he described as violations of international law by the United States and Israel during the 40-day conflict.
He expressed hope that China, during its rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, would continue playing “a constructive role in preventing further violations of international peace and security.”
Wang, for his part, praised what he described as Iran’s “responsible approach” and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to the Iranian statement.
Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched a war against Iran in February, killing over 3,300 people and displacing tens of thousands.
At least 13 US servicemen were killed and dozens of others wounded during the conflict, which saw Iran retaliating against US bases and assets across the Middle East. – AA
