February 4, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
RIYADH / MUSCAT — On Thursday, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, as regional diplomatic efforts intensify ahead of critical nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington scheduled for later this week.
The exchange comes in advance of talks set for Friday in Muscat, Oman, where representatives from Iran and the United States are expected to engage in discussions aimed at resolving ongoing disputes over Tehran’s nuclear programme. The meeting is part of renewed diplomatic momentum involving multiple regional actors, including Oman, Qatar and Turkey, all working to facilitate constructive dialogue amid persistent tensions.
During their call on Wednesday, Prince Faisal and Araghchi emphasised the importance of resolving differences through diplomacy and dialogue, highlighting shared interests in maintaining regional security and stability. The conversation reflects cautious optimism that sustained communication channels may help prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
Iranian officials confirmed the timing and location of the upcoming talks, with Araghchi expressing gratitude to the Omani government for facilitating preparations. He noted on social media that the discussions with the United States are scheduled to begin at around 10 a.m. local time in Muscat, underscoring the significance of multilateral cooperation in addressing complex geopolitical challenges.
The context of these diplomatic exchanges comes against a backdrop of recent regional tensions and external pressures over Iran’s nuclear activities. Both Riyadh and Tehran have navigated periods of strained relations in recent years, and renewed communication at the foreign ministerial level suggests a willingness by both sides to engage as part of wider negotiations that also involve global powers.
Saudi Arabia, whose strategic priorities include supporting peaceful resolutions to conflicts across the region, is expected to monitor the outcomes of the Muscat talks closely. Observers say that constructive engagement between Tehran and Washington could have implications for broader regional dynamics, including security cooperation and diplomatic relationships in the Gulf and beyond.
The high-level phone call underscores Riyadh’s ongoing role in diplomatic efforts to encourage negotiation and de-escalation, even as challenges persist in achieving consensus on nuclear and security issues that have long shaped Middle Eastern geopolitics.