RIYADH: After a seven-year closure, Iran is set to reopen its embassy in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, in line with a rapprochement deal brokered by China and announced in March, Tehran and a diplomatic source confirmed.
Saudi Arabia cut off diplomatic relations with Iran in 2016 following the attacks on its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad during protests over the execution of cleric Nimr al-Nimr.
Under the leadership of Alireza Enayati, former Iranian ambassador to Kuwait, Iran’s diplomatic mission, which was expelled by Saudi authorities, will resume operations. Tehran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, announced the reopening in a statement, affirming earlier remarks made by a diplomatic source in Riyadh.
Iran’s Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah to Reopen Tomorrow
According to Kanani, Iran’s embassy in Riyadh, consulate in Jeddah, and representative office to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will be officially reopened on Tuesday and Wednesday. The reopening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday at 6:00 pm local time (1500 GMT), with the newly appointed Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia in attendance, as confirmed by the diplomatic source.
While Iran has made its ambassadorial appointment, Saudi Arabia has yet to announce the reopening date for its embassy in Tehran or name its ambassador to Iran.
Alireza Enayati, who was named as Iran’s Saudi envoy in Iranian media reports last month, previously served as the assistant to the foreign minister and director general of Gulf affairs at the Iranian foreign ministry.
The reconciliation agreement signed between the two Middle East powers on March 10 marked a significant shift after years of discord. Following the agreement, Saudi Arabia has restored diplomatic ties with Syria, an ally of Iran, and intensified efforts for peace in Yemen.
