Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers discuss recent Israeli attacks in phone call

Following Israel’s recent attacks on Iran, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi held a phone conversation to address the situation and express mutual concerns.

In the call, Faisal bin Farhan offered condolences on the assassination of Iranian military commanders. He described the attacks as "an act of aggression" and "strongly condemned these brutal assaults," Caliber.Az reports via the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s Telegram channel.

Responding, Araghchi thanked Saudi Arabia for its call and expressed appreciation for Riyadh’s stance condemning the aggression. He emphasised that "this aggression would not have been possible without coordination and a green light from the United States," holding the U.S. "responsible for the dangerous consequences of this action."

Araghchi characterised the attacks on nuclear facilities and residential areas as "blatant aggression" and highlighted Iran’s right to respond under international law. He stated that "under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, responding to this aggression is Iran’s legal right," adding that "the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will defend the country with all their strength."

Further, Araghchi reminded that Iran is "a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," and called for "a clear position from the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and condemnation of the Zionist regime's aggressive act."

Tensions between Israel and Iran have reached an unprecedented level following a large-scale Israeli military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. On 13 June 2025, the Israeli Air Force launched coordinated strikes against more than 100 sites across Iran, including facilities in Tehran, Natanz, Ahvaz, and East Azerbaijan Province. The assault reportedly involved around 200 aircraft and over 330 precision-guided munitions, marking one of the most extensive air operations in recent Middle Eastern history.

According to Israeli officials, the operation aimed to neutralise Iran’s nuclear weapons development and eliminate key figures in its military and scientific leadership. Among the reported casualties are senior IRGC commanders, nuclear scientists, and close advisers to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, framed the strike as a preemptive response to existential threats from Tehran.

Iran has accused both Israel and the United States of orchestrating the attack, vowing a powerful and inevitable retaliation. In response, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israeli territory and shut down its airspace, further intensifying the crisis. The attack has jeopardised upcoming nuclear negotiations and triggered global alarm over the potential for a full-scale regional war.

By Vugar Khalilov