### Iran-Saudi Leaders Discuss Bilateral Ties Amid Upcoming Joint Summit

In a significant development, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a key phone conversation on Sunday evening to discuss the state of Iran-Saudi Arabia relations. Despite the importance of the upcoming joint meeting of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Monday, November 11, President Pezeshkian announced he would be unable to attend due to a busy schedule.

According to Iranian state media IRNA, instead of his personal attendance, President Pezeshkian will send his Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref to the meeting. The Iranian leader expressed confidence that under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the summit would yield meaningful outcomes aimed at curbing the actions of Israel in Gaza and Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia has been vocal in its criticism of Israel's conduct in these regions and aims to assert its leadership role within the Arab and Muslim world through this meeting. The Saudi Crown Prince noted his understanding of Pezeshkian's absence and extended best wishes for Iran's success.

"This marks a historic turning point in the relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia," bin Salman remarked, expressing optimism that the bilateral relationship could achieve unprecedented heights. Additionally, the Crown Prince extended an invitation for President Pezeshkian to visit Saudi Arabia in the future, a gesture underscoring the thaw in relations that has been facilitated by Chinese diplomatic efforts in recent years.

Vice President Aref departed Tehran for Riyadh on Monday to represent Iran at the summit. Prior to his departure, Aref emphasized the summit's primary goal of ending the violence and bloodshed in Lebanon and Palestine. The meeting gathers representatives from over 50 countries, reflecting its international significance.

The summit occurs during a period of anticipation for the regional policies of incoming US President Donald Trump. Notably, in May 2017, Trump is expected to attend an Arab-Islamic-American summit in Saudi Arabia, following his discussions with Arab leaders such as Mohammed bin Salman and Mahmoud Abbas after his electoral victory on November 5.