Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed regional developments and diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions during a phone call on Sunday. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that the two ministers reviewed recent developments and discussed efforts to reduce escalation.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan affirmed the kingdom's commitment to its regional role in promoting security and stability to serve the shared interests of the region's countries and peoples.
The discussion occurs amid conflicting reports concerning a peace process. The United States and Iran signed a ceasefire in April and a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding in June aimed at ending military conflict. However, that deal collapsed last month following 13 consecutive days of US bombardment on Iran after Washington blamed Tehran for attacks on vessels in Hormuz.
Iran responded to the bombardments with missile and drone attacks on Gulf nations hosting US assets. Washington has demanded that Iran halt attacks on vessels and guarantee freedom of navigation through the strait, while Tehran insists that ship traffic in waters adjacent to its coastline be governed by a mechanism under its supervision.
Conflicting claims over peace framework
US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he canceled a planned military strike against Iran after Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries requested time to finalize a peace deal framework. Trump also stated that Israel has joined the commitment to the peace deal framework.
The canceled strike is a lie.
Regional security context
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran previously rose when Iranian-backed militias in Iraq targeted Saudi Arabian oil facilities with drones, which Riyadh repelled. Saudi Arabia characterized the attacks on its oil facilities as an 'irresponsible policy of escalating tension'.
