IntroductionIran and Saudi Arabia are pursuing a détente. Against this backdrop, consolidating détente with Saudi Arabia has gained strategic importance for Iran’s leadership. Détente Under StressHigh-level contact between Saudi Arabia and Iran resumed after the 2023 agreement, including bilateral meetings between foreign ministers and security officials. In the context of renewed international pressure on Iran (sanctions, weakened deterrence and threats of future Israeli attacks), détente between Iran and Saudi Arabia represents a significant achievement for Iran. 2 “Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns the Blatant Israeli Aggressions Against Iran,” Saudi Press Agency, June 13, 2025, https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/w2339269.

Source: New York Times February 19, 2026 11:42 UTC