Iran-Saudi Talks Held in Positive Atmosphere

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said the latest round of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia with the aim of restoring strained relations between the two regional heavyweights was held in a positive atmosphere.
Hussein told the Iraqi News Agency on Sunday that there was a friendly atmosphere in the talks, which were held in Baghdad on Thursday.
The top Iraqi diplomat said Baghdad will host a new round of talks in the future.
Hussein had earlier noted that the Iraqi government would make every effort to create a suitable opportunity for reaching a common understanding between the two Persian Gulf powers.
Nour News, affiliated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, reported on Saturday that the fifth round of negotiations was held in the Iraqi capital, a month after the talks were suspended.
Nour News described as “positive” the atmosphere of talks between Tehran and Riyadh, stressing that the two sides exchanged views on the main challenges hindering the resumption of bilateral relations.
“The positive atmosphere of the recent meeting has raised hopes for the two countries to take a step toward the resumption of relations. It is expected that a joint meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries will be held in the near future,” the news agency said.
Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran in January 2016 after Iranian protesters, enraged by the Saudi execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, stormed its embassy in Tehran.
In the years that ensued, the kingdom pursued a confrontational foreign policy toward the Islamic Republic, but it has apparently changed tack since 2021.
Both sides have hinted that some progress has been made in their recent rounds of negotiations.
The two neighbors, however, remain deeply divided over a set of regional issues, mainly the destructive Saudi-led war on Yemen.
Last month, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Tehran welcomes Saudi Arabia’s “new inclination” to fix bilateral relations, stating that rapprochement between the two sides will benefit both nations and other friendly states.

“We have different views and approaches on some issues in the region, but the management of those differences by the two sides can serve the interests of the two nations and friendly and brotherly countries.”
Amir-Abdollahian was reacting to comments by Saudi Crown Prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman, who had said earlier that the two countries should find a way to coexist.
“We have had discussions, and we have heard many statements from Iranian leaders that are very welcome in Saudi Arabia,” the Saudi crown prince said. “I hope we can reach a position that is good for both countries, and a bright future for Saudi Arabia and Iran.”