Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani has revealed that Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz has been officially invited to visit Tehran, following the recent visit by Saudi officials to Iran earlier this month. The invitation came as a reciprocal gesture, in response to Riyadh’s invitation to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
During a televised news conference, Nasser Kanaani stated, “Iranian President Raisi has extended an invitation to the Saudi king, honoring Riyadh’s previous invitation to him.” This development stems from the ongoing efforts to restore diplomatic relations between the two nations, which was facilitated by a deal brokered by China in March.
The deal, mediated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, caught everyone by surprise and effectively marginalizes the United States. Its primary objective is to deescalate tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Tehran and Riyadh.
For the past seven years, Iran and Saudi Arabia have been embroiled in a bitter diplomatic rift that has fueled numerous direct and indirect conflicts throughout the region. The animosity reached its peak in 2016 when Saudi Arabia severed ties with Iran following the storming of its embassy in Tehran amidst a dispute catalyzed by Riyadh’s execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr.
Notably, both countries support opposing factions in various conflict zones across the Middle East, including the ongoing Yemeni civil war. Tehran backs the Houthi rebels, while Riyadh leads a military coalition supporting the Yemeni government.
According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, the Islamic Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reached an agreement, as confirmed by a joint statement, to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies and missions within the next two months. This latest development sets the stage for a potential shift in regional dynamics and a crucial step towards stability and dialogue in the region.
