TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian voiced optimism ahead of an extraordinary summit, jointly organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League, aimed at addressing the escalating Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon. 

In a telephone discussion with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday, President Pezeshkian expressed confidence that the summit would achieve "effective and tangible" results in ending the Israeli regime’s aggression. 

Though Pezeshkian cited executive obligations preventing his attendance, he confirmed that Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref would represent Tehran at the summit.

He emphasized the urgency of stopping the genocidal war in Gaza and Israel’s continued hostility towards Lebanon.

The Iranian president and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia also reviewed the current bilateral relations and expressed optimism for further cooperation between their nations.

The Iranian president also conveyed his hope that, in line with the intentions of both leaders, the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia would be strengthened and expanded across various sectors.

In response, the Crown Prince expressed gratitude for the President's call, acknowledging the situation in Iran and wishing success for its people. 

Mohammad bin Salman remarked that Iran-Saudi relations are at a pivotal moment and expressed hope for their advancement to the highest levels in all areas. 

He noted the opportunity to engage with the Iranian president's deputy during his visit to Riyadh to discuss these matters further.

Crown Prince Salman also renewed his invitation for President Pezeshkian to visit Saudi Arabia, expressing hope that this summit would further pave the way for high-level cooperation across all sectors.

The OIC summit highlights progress in Iran-Saudi relations since March 2023, when the two countries agreed to restore diplomatic ties under a China-brokered deal, resuming cooperation in line with previous agreements from 1998 and 2001. 

Both nations are hopeful that the Riyadh summit will mark a critical step toward peace in the region and a renewed era of collaboration between Tehran and Riyadh.

On Sunday, Iran’s Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri held talks in Tehran with his Saudi counterpart, General Fayyad bin Hamed al-Ruwaili, discussing enhanced defense diplomacy amid rising regional tensions spurred by Israeli actions.