UPDATE – Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers hold talks on bilateral ties, regional security

By Betul Yilmaz and Fekry Abdeen

ISTANBUL (AA) – The Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers held talks on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, who arrived in the kingdom for talks with Saudi officials.

Discussions between the two diplomats dwelt on bilateral ties, the latest developments in the region, and efforts to achieve regional security and stability, the state news agency SPA said.

The Iranian minister arrived early Tuesday in Saudi Arabia on his way back home from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he attended the 17th BRICS summit.

No details were provided about the duration of the Iranian minister’s visit.

A 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran that erupted last month, when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and civilian sites, killing at least 935 people. The Iranian Health Ministry said 5,332 people were injured.

Tehran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes, killing at least 29 people and wounding more than 3,400, according to figures released by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The conflict ended with a US-sponsored ceasefire that took effect on June 24.