Saudi, Iranian FMs hold first call since start of US-Israel war against Iran

Saudi foreign ministry says call reviewed ways to slow tensions to help restore regional security

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Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (L), Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (R). PHOTO: X

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Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, the Saudi foreign ministry said Thursday, in the first official contact between the countries since Tehran launched strikes against its Gulf neighbours in retaliation for Israeli-American attacks.

“The call focused on reviewing developments in the situation and ways to slow the pace of tensions so as to help restore security and stability in the region,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement, which was issued the day after the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi foreign minister expressed deep concern over ceasefire violations in Lebanon and stressed the urgent need for full respect and implementation of the ceasefire to ensure lasting peace and stability during a telephone conversation.

The DPM/FM appreciated Saudi Arabia’s continued support for Pakistan’s efforts to achieve lasting peace. They agreed to remain in close contact.

On early Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Iran and the United States "along with their allies have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere, including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY."

In a post on X, PM Shehbaz further invited the US and Iran's "delegations to Islamabad on Friday, April 10, 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes".

Read: Naqvi assures foolproof security for US-Iran ceasefire talks in Islamabad

US President Donald Trump agreed to the two-week ceasefire with less than two hours before his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating attacks on its civilian infrastructure.

Iran also expressed gratitude towards Pakistan and claimed victory over the US in multiple posts on X.

The information account for Iran's Operation True Promise released a statement thanking Pakistan's "leadership and its people for the constant and unwavering efforts and support".

The White House announced that Trump was sending Vice President JD Vance and other negotiators to Islamabad for talks with Iran beginning on Saturday. Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi would be representing Tehran.