Saudi deputy foreign minister pays respects at Khamenei funeral

Saudi Arabia's Vice Foreign Minister Walid al-Khuraiji and a delegation made an unexpected appearance at the funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The attendance signals a potential shift or at least a diplomatic gesture amidst ongoing regional tensions.

This move comes after a period of strained relations, including Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud's March call for Iran to 'recalculate' its strategy. He emphasized that tolerance for attacks on Gulf states was limited, highlighting the kingdom's concerns over repeated strikes on its territory, particularly those targeting US bases within Saudi Arabia.

The funeral for Khamenei, who died on May 20, 2026, was attended by numerous international dignitaries, reflecting his significant role in Iran and the wider region. Al-Khuraiji's presence, however, stands out given the historical and recent political complexities between Riyadh and Tehran.