Saudi Arabia proposed to Iran holding joint naval exercises in the Red Sea, according to what a news agency in the Islamic Republic quoted a military official, while there was no immediate comment from Riyadh.

If implemented, the maneuvers will be unprecedented between two regional rivals who concluded an agreement last year to restore relations after years of estrangement, and during the past months they strengthened bilateral communication on regional issues.

Defense officials from Saudi Arabia and Iran have previously discussed military cooperation, “a sign that the war between Israel and Hamas is bringing the two former adversaries closer together,” according to Bloomberg.

On Monday evening, the Iranian ISNA news agency quoted the Commander of the Army Naval Forces, Admiral Shahram Irani, as saying that Saudi Arabia had proposed holding a joint exercise.

He explained, “Saudi Arabia requested that we hold a joint maneuver in the Red Sea,” according to “Agence France-Presse.”

He added, "Both countries invited each other to be present in their respective ports," explaining that "the proposal included conducting bilateral training in addition to training with the participation of other countries. Coordination is taking place between the concerned authorities... and the delegations of the two countries will hold the necessary consultations on how to conduct a maneuver." shared".

Irani did not provide additional details in this regard. Also, Saudi Arabia did not confirm the matter.

The Iranian statement comes at a time when the Red Sea is witnessing attacks carried out by the right-wing Houthis, close to Iran, on ships they say are linked to Israel or heading to its ports, in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where the war between the Hebrew state and Hamas continues.

Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition in Yemen in support of the internationally recognized government, confronting the Houthi rebels who control large areas of the country.

Tehran and Riyadh are at odds over several defense issues including the US military presence in the Middle East, the civil war in Yemen, and Iran's support for armed groups hostile to Saudi interests throughout the region.

The two countries normalized relations in March 2023, after years of tension over regional influence.