In a significant development in the Middle East's geopolitical landscape, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi affirmed his country's strong desire for a swift resumption of negotiations with the United States, indicating the existence of common ground for reaching an agreement that would guarantee international assurances regarding Iran's nuclear program. These statements come at a sensitive time, as the region witnesses concerted efforts to de-escalate tensions following a period of unprecedented military escalation.

In his recent remarks, Araqchi explained that although a precise date for the second round of negotiations has not yet been set, there is a preliminary agreement between Tehran and Washington on the necessity of holding these talks as soon as possible. The Iranian minister revealed his country's readiness to provide concrete guarantees regarding uranium enrichment, including reducing enrichment levels as a goodwill gesture to reach a sustainable agreement—a significant shift in Iran's negotiating position.

On the military front, Araqchi balanced diplomacy with deterrence, warning in no uncertain terms that the Iranian armed forces were prepared to deliver devastating blows to US bases throughout the region should Iranian territory be subjected to any new American attack. This warning reflects Tehran's strategy of negotiating under fire, ensuring that diplomatic flexibility is not interpreted as military weakness.

Behind the scenes of the Muscat negotiations

The Omani capital, Muscat, hosted a round of indirect negotiations between the two sides. The Iranian delegation was headed by Abbas Araqchi, while the American delegation was led by Steve Wittkopf, President Trump's envoy to the Middle East, with notable participation from the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The presence of these high-level figures underscores the paramount importance the US administration attaches to this issue at present.

The context after the 12-day war

These diplomatic moves gain significance from their timing, as these negotiations are the first of their kind since the dangerous military escalation in the region last June. At that time, the United States launched targeted strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites, amidst a 12-day war initiated by Israel, bringing the entire region to the brink of a full-blown regional conflict.

Oman's role and regional importance

Historically, the Sultanate of Oman has played the role of an impartial and trusted mediator between Tehran and the West, and Muscat's hosting of these talks is a continuation of this pivotal role in defusing crises. Observers believe that the success of these negotiations will not only impact bilateral relations between Washington and Tehran, but will also have a direct effect on the stability of global energy markets and the security of waterways in the Arabian Gulf. This makes reaching an agreement an urgent necessity for the entire international community to avoid catastrophic scenarios that could return the region to square one of military conflict.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly worded statement expressing the Kingdom's condemnation and categorical denunciation of the repeated criminal attacks perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan. These attacks included targeting the Al-Kuweik Military Hospital, a World Food Programme aid convoy, and a bus carrying displaced civilians, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties, including women and children, in the states of North and South Kordofan.

This Saudi condemnation comes at a time when Sudan is witnessing a dangerous escalation in military operations. The Kingdom affirmed that targeting civilian infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and aid convoys constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and all international norms. The Ministry stressed that these brutal acts cannot be justified under any pretext and only exacerbate the humanitarian tragedy endured by the brotherly Sudanese people since the outbreak of the conflict.

In a related context, the Kingdom based its statement on the legal and political framework of the “Jeddah Declaration,” signed on May 11, 2023, which explicitly stipulates a commitment to protecting civilians in Sudan and facilitating humanitarian work. Riyadh called on the Rapid Support Forces to immediately cease these violations and comply with their moral and legal obligations to ensure the unimpeded delivery of aid to those in need, warning of the consequences of continuing these practices, which threaten regional security.

On the other hand, the Kingdom reiterated its firm and unwavering support for the unity and sovereignty of Sudan and the preservation of its legitimate state institutions, which are the sole guarantor of the country's stability. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs also warned of the dangers of foreign interference in Sudanese affairs, noting that the continued supply of illegal weapons to the conflict and the recruitment of mercenaries and foreign fighters by some parties contradicts calls for a political solution and is a major factor in prolonging the war.

This Saudi position reflects the Kingdom’s continued commitment to preventing bloodshed among Sudanese people, and its pivotal role in leading diplomatic efforts to end the crisis, stressing that a military solution will only bring more destruction, and that returning to the negotiating table is the only way to save Sudan from the specter of division and total collapse.

In a move reflecting the accelerating pace of economic cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Syrian Arab Republic, a high-level Saudi delegation, headed by Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, arrived in Damascus on Saturday morning. This official visit marks the beginning of a new phase of practical partnership, aiming to translate bilateral understandings from discussions into concrete implementation through the signing of a series of strategic contracts.

Quality contracts in vital sectors

The visit is expected to witness the announcement of a package of agreements and contracts between major Saudi companies and Syrian government entities. According to available information, these contracts will primarily focus on vital sectors that are central to the economy and development, most notably the civil aviation sector, the telecommunications and information technology sector, as well as infrastructure projects and development initiatives. These sectors are considered essential for creating a favorable investment climate and revitalizing the Syrian economy, thus opening up significant opportunities for the Saudi private sector to actively contribute to reconstruction and development projects.

Context of the visit: The fruits of resuming diplomatic relations

This visit cannot be viewed in isolation from the political and diplomatic context of the past two years. These economic moves are a direct result of the resumption of diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Damascus and Syria's return to its seat in the Arab League. Minister Al-Falih's visit builds upon a series of meetings and economic forums held last year, which paved the way for removing obstacles for investors and activating joint committees, thus underscoring the commitment of both sides to building sustainable strategic relations.

Economic and regional dimensions of joint cooperation

This visit carries significant economic implications both locally and regionally. For the Kingdom, this move aligns with the goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to boost foreign investment and diversify economic partnerships in the region. For Syria, attracting high-quality Saudi investments represents a lifeline for the local economy and a crucial step toward improving basic services and developing its dilapidated infrastructure.

The visit's agenda includes a series of closed and expanded meetings with senior Syrian officials to explore broader avenues for cooperation and discuss legislative and regulatory frameworks that guarantee investment protection and provide a stimulating business environment. These ongoing efforts underscore the strategic partnership between the two countries and their shared desire to achieve economic integration that benefits both nations and enhances regional stability and prosperity.