Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday, against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East following Iran’s recent missile strike on Israel. The meeting, part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between Iran and Saudi Arabia since they restored diplomatic ties in March last year, focused on recent regional and international developments, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The discussion comes after Iran launched 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, in response to the assassination of key Hezbollah and Hamas leaders earlier this year. Iran indicated that it had completed its attack unless further provoked. However, Israel and its ally, the United States, have vowed to retaliate.
Amid these rising tensions, Saudi Arabia is reportedly seeking to prevent further escalation in the region. Diplomatic efforts across the Gulf continue, with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim reiterating his country’s commitment to mediating the conflict, especially the ongoing war in Gaza. He emphasized that Israel should halt its aggression against Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.
President Pezeshkian, while urging peace, warned that any action by Israel against Iran would provoke a stronger response. He stressed that Iran is not seeking war, but will defend itself if necessary, further fueling the concerns of a potential larger regional conflict.
