Saudi Foreign Minister Calls for Just Solution to Palestinian Issue at UN General Assembly

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan addressed the UN General Assembly on Saturday, emphasizing the importance of finding a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue for regional security in the Middle East. He criticized Israel for its unilateral measures that violate international law. The speech, which did not mention Israel directly, comes amid increased talks of potential peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Riyadh is demanding Israeli concessions to the Palestinians and US concessions such as a new defense pact, significant arms deals, and cooperation on a civilian nuclear program. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both expressed optimism about the potential for normalization of ties between the two countries. However, there are still major issues that need to be addressed, such as the enrichment of uranium on Saudi soil. Bin Farhan’s speech also touched on conflicts in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Libya, and Sudan, and highlighted the recent China-brokered agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to restore diplomatic ties and direct communication. Following his speech, Bin Farhan met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Bin Salman stated in an interview that Saudi Arabia would acquire a nuclear weapon if Iran did, although he hoped it wouldn’t come to that. Iran’s recent moves to restrict access to nuclear facilities and its failure to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency have raised concerns among the international community. Netanyahu, in his UN speech, criticized the Biden administration and Western powers for failing to snap back sanctions on Iran for violating the 2015 nuclear deal. He called for a credible military threat against Iran and expressed caution about supporting a Saudi civilian nuclear program that includes uranium enrichment.