Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers discuss de-escalation in first call since conflict began

RIYADH — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Thursday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.During the call, the two ministers discussed the latest developments in the region and reviewed efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore security and stability.The conversation marks one of the first publicly announced contacts between the two sides since the recent escalation in the region.In separate calls, Prince Faisal also held discussions with his Kuwaiti and Venezuelan counterparts.During his call with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al-Sabah, the two sides reviewed regional developments and ongoing efforts to enhance security and stability.In a separate conversation with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto, the Saudi minister discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.