Top Saudi, Iranian defence officials discuss regional tensions after Israel ceasefire

Saudi Arabia’s defence minister held rare talks with Iran’s military chief amid concerns over the fragility of the Israel-Iran ceasefire.

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman spoke by phone on Sunday with Iran's Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi to discuss regional developments, Saudi state media reported.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the conversation focused on “bilateral relations in the defence field” and the latest regional security issues.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted Mousavi as expressing scepticism about the recent ceasefire with Israel, warning that Iran remains prepared for further escalation.

“We doubt the durability of the ceasefire and are ready to respond to any aggression,” Mousavi said.

A 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran erupted on June 13 when Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian military, nuclear, and civilian sites, killing at least 606 people and injuring 5,332, according to Iran’s Health Ministry.

In retaliation, Tehran launched missile and drone attacks on Israel, killing at least 29 people and injuring more than 3,400, figures from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem showed.

The fighting ended under a US-sponsored ceasefire that took effect on June 24, though both sides remain wary of renewed hostilities.

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