Enayati to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia is a vital partner, relationship ‘secured’
Iran’s ambassador in Riyadh said relations with Saudi Arabia are “protected” and will not be compromised, stressing that the two countries share a commitment to regional security and stability and to avoiding escalation that could destabilize the region.
In his remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Alireza Enayati said that coordination between the two countries continues, including visits and talks, some of which are held in public and out of the spotlight.
“We must recognize the sensitivity of the current situation, given the recurring threats facing the region and the risk of unprecedented escalation,” Enayati said.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that regional stability is in the interests of all countries. This has been repeatedly confirmed in meetings and discussions with Saudi officials.”
A senior Saudi official told Asharq Al-Awsat on Saturday that reports circulated by some media outlets about a change in Saudi Arabia’s stance on regional escalation were inaccurate.
The official said Saudi Arabia supports efforts to peacefully resolve all outstanding issues between the United States and Iran through dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that Saudi Arabia rejects the use of its airspace or territory for military operations against Iran.
Saudi Arabia as a vitally important nation
The Iranian diplomat emphasized that the Iranian government considers Saudi Arabia to be a very important and influential country in the region, noting that cooperation between the two countries on issues of mutual interest will contribute to strengthening regional security and stability.
He said Iran and Saudi Arabia are keen to maintain regional security and stability, and stressed the importance of avoiding escalation that could disrupt regional calm.
He added that discussions are ongoing based on strategic beliefs shared by both sides that serve their respective interests and the interests of the region as a whole.
Enayati said Saudi Arabia views Iran as a reliable partner, while Iran views Saudi Arabia as an important and effective actor in the region. He said cooperation between the two countries based on common concerns will help strengthen regional security and stability.
“shielded” relationship
Mr. Enayati said that thanks to the leaders of both countries and their understanding of the necessity and importance of maintaining and developing their relations, these relations are protected, cannot be compromised and have a positive impact on all parties.
Recalling Saudi Arabia’s support for Iran during the recent Israeli war, he said Iran welcomed Saudi Arabia’s position strongly condemning Israeli aggression. The diplomat added that any harm to Iran affects the security of the entire region, and that reality is reflected in constructive positions in the region, including Saudi Arabia.
Framework negotiations with Washington
Regarding reports that a negotiation framework is taking shape between Iran and the United States, Enayati said that Iran participated in the negotiations in 2015 and entered into serious negotiations again in 2025, but the United States withdrew and the process was inconsistently handled.
“If the United States is serious about an equal dialogue without preconditions, Iran welcomes it,” he said, adding that Iranian officials have repeatedly confirmed this position.
He noted that while recent statements suggest work is underway on a negotiating framework, negotiations cannot begin with a predetermined outcome. He said the outcome must emerge from the negotiation process itself, rather than be imposed in advance.
Last week, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirmed Saudi support for efforts to resolve differences through dialogue in a way that enhances security and stability in the region.
The crown prince emphasized that Saudi Arabia respects Iran’s sovereignty and will not allow the use of Saudi airspace or territory for any military action against Iran.
In response, Prime Minister Pezeshkian thanked Saudi Arabia for its firm stance on respecting Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and praised the crown prince’s efforts to promote regional security and stability.
