RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s government has reiterated that dialogue remains essential for peace as news emerged of progress in talks to end the conflict between the US and Iran.
Washington and Tehran have been engaged in an intense regional war since Feb. 28, when Israel and the US launched attacks on Iran, assassinating the country’s supreme leader.
The crown prince briefed the ministers on his call with US President Donald Trump at the weekend on the regional situation.
The cabinet also welcomed the growing international support for, and participation in, the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition launched by Saudi Arabia.
The coalition will assist in protecting trade routes in the Red Sea, the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s government has reiterated that dialogue remains essential for peace as news emerged of progress in talks to end the conflict between the US and Iran.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who chaired the weekly meeting of ministers in Jeddah on Tuesday, stressed the importance of making every effort toward diplomatic solutions that would safeguard regional security and stability.
Washington and Tehran have been engaged in an intense regional war since Feb. 28, when Israel and the US launched attacks on Iran, assassinating the country’s supreme leader.
US officials have talked up the prospect of securing a deal with Iran as soon as Wednesday that could ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The strait was closed by Iran after the collapse of a memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran that briefly allowed shipping to pass through the vital international waterway.
The crown prince briefed the ministers on his call with US President Donald Trump at the weekend on the regional situation.
“His Royal Highness emphasized the necessity of prioritizing dialogue to reduce tensions and the importance of exerting all possible efforts to achieve a truce that paves the way for diplomatic solutions,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday shortly after the leaders spoke.
The cabinet also welcomed the growing international support for, and participation in, the Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition launched by Saudi Arabia.
The Kingdom and 13 other countries established the coalition on Thursday, which aims to protect shipping in key waterways of the Middle East.
The coalition will assist in protecting trade routes in the Red Sea, the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden.
