FILE PICTURE
MOSCOW: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov during a key visit to Moscow, underscoring Riyadh’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the Middle East amid rising tensions.
When asked about the prospects of normalizing diplomatic ties with Israel, Prince Faisal firmly stated that Saudi Arabia’s top priority remains securing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. He reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to peace, humanitarian aid and a resolution to the ongoing conflict, signaling a cautious but determined approach to regional diplomacy.
Simultaneously, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a confidential meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. According to American media reports, the discussion focused on reducing tensions with Iran and exploring diplomatic avenues to ease regional conflicts.
This meeting highlights the continued strategic coordination between Saudi Arabia and the United States on key security issues.
Following his meeting in Washington, Prince Khalid also engaged in a rare direct phone call with Iran’s Chief of Staff. This backchannel communication points to tentative steps toward dialogue amid longstanding rivalry and heightened geopolitical stakes.
Together, these developments reflect Saudi Arabia’s nuanced and proactive approach to regional peace, balancing relations with global powers while prioritizing humanitarian concerns and stability in the Middle East.
