King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia congratulated Hassan Rowhani on winning Iran's presidential election, praising what he described as Mr Rowhani's wish to improve relations between the two countries.
Ties between have been tense over many issues, notably the war in Syria, where they back rival combatants, political unrest in Bahrain, and a dispute over Iran's pursuit of nuclear power.
The Saudi Press Agency reported late on Sunday that the king had sent a cable of congratulations wishing Mr Rowhani "permanent good health and happiness and the people of Iran steady progress and prosperity".
