Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in the Saudi capital on Wednesday, according to Saudi state media, for what his office said would be talks on efforts to end Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
The Saudi Al-Ekhbariya channel broadcast footage of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan greeting Araghchi and his delegation in Riyadh.
Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on X that Araghchi's visit would focus on stopping "the Israeli regime's genocide & aggression" and aimed to "alleviate the pain and suffering of our brothers and sisters in Gaza and Lebanon."
Israel has been waging a year-long war against Hamas in Gaza that was triggered by the Palestinian militant group's unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Iranian-backed Hezbollah began firing on northern Israel in the wake of that attack, and since last month Israel has significantly ramped up its strikes targeting Hezbollah leaders and infrastructure.
Both Hamas and Hezbollah are part of Iran's "Axis of Resistance" of militant groups in the region.
Araghchi's visit to Saudi Arabia comes as the region awaits Israel's response to an Iranian missile attack on its territory last week.
Baghaei said the meetings in Riyadh were "in furtherance of our diplomatic efforts, in coordination with countries of the region."
Araghchi said during a visit to Beirut on Friday that Tehran supports efforts for a "simultaneous" ceasefire in Lebanon and the Palestinian territory.
The Islamic republic called Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel "a turning point in the history of the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people against Israel."
Shiite-dominated Iran and Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia resumed relations in March 2023 under a surprise China-brokered deal following a seven-year rupture.
With AFP
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