TEHRAN: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday extended an invitation to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz to visit Tehran, signalling a potential thaw in years of hostility between the two countries, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani.
The move comes after Saudi officials visited Iran earlier this month to review arrangements for the reopening of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and the consulate in Mashhad.
The two countries are preparing to officially reopen their missions, with activities set to restart by May 9, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
The deal to end the conflict was brokered by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March and aimed to ease escalating tensions in the Middle East region.
The surprise move effectively sidelined the United States and sought to bring Iran and Saudi Arabia closer.
Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia
“Following talks, Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to resume diplomatic ties and reopen embassies and missions within two months,” said Iran’s state news agency IRNA, citing the joint statement.
The move is expected to have important implications for the Middle East, where Iran and Saudi Arabia are key players in regional politics.
