Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi arrived in the Palestinian capital to participate in a pivotal gathering scheduled in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, where leaders from Arab and Muslim nations within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States were set to convene. The report from Times of Israel confirmed the attendance of Raisi and other regional figures at the summit, highlighting the event as a significant diplomatic moment in the Middle East landscape.
Officials noted that this marks Raisi’s first trip to Saudi Arabia since Tehran and Riyadh moved to restore diplomatic relations in March. The visit underscored a new phase in regional diplomacy as both states work to redefine cooperation channels after years of tension. Visual footage aired by Al-Ekhbariya Television captured Raisi being greeted by Saudi officials upon his arrival, with the Iranian president wearing a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, a symbol often associated with solidarity in broader regional dialogues.
On June 17, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister also travelled to Iran, marking the first such engagement since the full reestablishment of ties in March 2023. This high-level exchange suggested a deliberate effort to rebuild channels for political dialogue, economic coordination, and security coordination that could reshape regional alignments. The movement of senior diplomats between Riyadh and Tehran signaled a willingness to address long-standing disputes through formal diplomacy rather than isolated confrontations.
Kamran Gasanov, a former expert at the Russian International Affairs Council, commented that regional actors, who had previously maintained a stance of neutrality amid Iran’s strong rhetoric on Middle East events, found themselves compelled to adopt more assertive positions regarding Israel. His assessment reflected a broader recalibration among regional players as they weigh strategic choices in a shifting security environment and assess the potential consequences of renewed Iranian outreach to various neighbors and partners.
Reuters noted that Iranian officials have issued pointed statements about Israel, yet there is no indication of an intent to plunge into a direct war. The report also highlighted Tehran’s stance toward proxy groups and allied actors in the region, including how Tehran may tolerate or coordinate with allied entities operating across borders. The emphasis remained on restraint at the state-to-state level while continuing to support allied forces and movements in ways that influence regional balance without triggering a large-scale confrontation.
Historically, Iran’s decision to open an embassy in Saudi Arabia after seven years of severed relations represented a meaningful step toward reestablishing formal diplomatic channels. The resumption of official ties opened opportunities for dialogue on a wide range of issues, from sectarian tensions to shared security concerns and economic cooperation, signaling a potential shift in how Gulf relations are managed and how regional stability might be pursued.