TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared Tehran’s readiness to address international apprehensions over its nuclear program “based on mutual interests and respect” during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) on Thursday.

The dialogue, framed by Eid al-Fitr goodwill, highlighted a shared commitment to regional stability amid escalating U.S. military threats and deepening geopolitical fissures. 

Opening the conversation, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s long-standing insistence on the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has never sought war or conflict, and the non-peaceful use of nuclear energy has no place in our security and defense doctrine,” he asserted.

“We seek no war with any country, but will not hesitate to defend ourselves. Our capabilities in this regard are at the highest level,” the president asserted—a nod to Iran’s advanced defense capabilities.

Pezeshkian described regional stability as inseparable from collective Islamic action, urging cooperation to halt “crimes committed against some Muslim peoples, including Palestine.”

He also emphasized Iran’s openness to a “full verification mechanism” under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), mirroring past transparency, and expressed willingness to “alleviate tensions through dialogue.”

MBS struck a conciliatory tone, signaling Riyadh’s intent to mediate regional disputes.

“Iran and Saudi Arabia, along with other regional countries, can effectively help strengthen stability and peace in the Middle East [West Asia],” he said, adding that the Kingdom stands ready to “deescalate tension and insecurity.”

Since the landmark rapprochement facilitated by China in 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia have fostered a renewed spirit of cooperation, demonstrating the power of dialogue to reconcile past differences.

Both nations have shown a shared commitment to regional stability by reopening embassies and engaging in high-level exchanges to address mutual concerns.

Iran has consistently advocated for peaceful collaboration, emphasizing Muslim unity and adherence to international norms.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, aligned with its vision of promoting security, has embraced these overtures, reflecting a pragmatic acknowledgment of Iran’s regional role.

The leaders’ dialogue unfolded against a backdrop of heightened U.S. military posturing.

Recent deployments include the extended presence of the aircraft carriers USS Truman and USS Vinson in the Persian Gulf, B-2 stealth bombers stationed at Diego Garcia—a U.S. base on British territory in the Indian Ocean—and additional troops mobilized across the region.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Washington is pressing to hold direct nuclear talks with Tehran.