Iranian and Saudi Foreign Ministers Call for Cooperation to Prevent Escalation of Tensions

Tehran (ANTARA) - The foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (6/5) emphasised the need for closer regional cooperation to prevent the escalation of tensions in the region, according to statements from both governments. In a telephone call, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, discussed recent regional developments as well as efforts to maintain security and stability, both sides stated. The two foreign ministers stressed the importance of sustained diplomacy and closer coordination among countries in West Asia to ease tensions and prevent further conflict, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said. The call took place amid a recent surge in tensions between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE accused Iran of launching missile and drone attacks against Arab countries, an allegation denied by Tehran. Tensions across the region have intensified since 28 February, when Israel and the United States launched attacks against Iran, triggering a conflict that lasted nearly six weeks before a ceasefire came into effect on 8 April. During the fighting, Iranian airstrikes hit several military and civilian sites in Gulf Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, drawing condemnation from the Arab world.