Saudi, Iranian Military Chiefs Hold First Call Since New Appointment

Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Iran's newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, held their first known direct phone call since Mousavi's appointment earlier this month. The conversation, initiated by Mousavi, focused on reviewing bilateral defense relations, regional developments, and efforts to maintain security and stability amid ongoing Middle East tensions. This rare high-level communication marks a continuation of cautious rapprochement following the 2023 China-mediated agreement to restore diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Tehran. Mousavi's appointment came after the killing of his predecessor in an Israeli airstrike coinciding with the start of the Israel-Iran conflict, underscoring the fragile and volatile regional environment. The call signals a potential opening of military channels as both countries seek to manage conflicts and build trust in a historically adversarial relationship. This development reflects growing momentum in Saudi-Iranian diplomacy aimed at preventing further escalation across conflict-prone areas in the Middle East.