Saudi Arabia Offers Iran Joint Naval Exercises

Riyadh has proposed to Tehran to hold joint naval exercises in the Red Sea, said Iranian Navy Commander Brigadier General Shahram Irani. The military of the two countries have also been invited to visit the corresponding ports of Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Irani noted that the delegations of the states will conduct the necessary consultations on the issue of future maneuvers; work in this direction is already underway.



If these plans are implemented, the first-ever exercises between Iran and Saudi Arabia will take place. It is interesting to note that the relations between these countries have been through very difficult times, including a lack of diplomatic ties and international disputes on the brink of war. At the same time, the maneuvers could be held against the backdrop of escalation between Iran and Israel.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Saudi Arabia, through whom Washington called on Israel to strike Iran, trying not to escalate the situation in the region. At the same time, Blinken noted the need to ensure Israel's security, calling on Saudi Arabia to contribute to this.

The day before, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Kazan to participate in the BRICS summit. The head of the Islamic Republic called for an end to Israel's aggressive actions in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon and called for counteraction to Western sanctions.