In a significant development, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on July 2, 2025, marking the first direct communication between senior officials from both countries since the ouster of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in January 2018. The conversation was seen as an important step towards reviving and strengthening bilateral relations between Washington and Riyadh.
During their discussion, Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Al Saud focused on a range of key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, Syria’s ongoing civil war, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza, and Sudan’s ongoing transition to democracy. The two officials also discussed ways to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts and promote regional stability.
The call comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Saudi Arabia over human rights concerns, particularly regarding the treatment of minority groups in the kingdom. However, the meeting suggests that both sides are committed to finding common ground and working towards a more constructive relationship.
The discussion also highlighted the need for increased dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual concern, such as the Iran nuclear deal and the ongoing conflict in Syria. The two countries have historically been aligned on these issues, and it appears that their communication is intended to solidify this alliance and address shared challenges.
The Secretary of State’s office stated that the call was a “positive and productive conversation” that demonstrated both sides’ commitment to strengthening ties between the US and Saudi Arabia.
Key Takeaways from the Call
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- Discussion on Iran’s nuclear program, with an emphasis on cooperation and diplomacy.
- Focus on Syria’s ongoing civil war and the need for regional stability.
- Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gaza was also addressed, with both sides calling for a peaceful resolution.
- C counter-terrorism efforts were discussed, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting marked an important milestone in the US-Saudi relationship and demonstrates the willingness of both parties to engage in constructive dialogue. The outcome of this call will be closely watched in coming weeks and months as both countries seek to strengthen their ties and address shared challenges.
In conclusion, Secretary Rubio’s call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud was a significant step towards reviving and strengthening bilateral relations between the US and Saudi Arabia. The conversation focused on key issues of mutual concern, including Iran, Syria, Gaza, and Sudan, setting the stage for increased cooperation and dialogue in the region.