Talks to boost Iran, Saudi Arabia ties

TEHRAN: Iran yesterday confirmed for the first time that it is in talks with Saudi Arabia to defuse tensions, the IRNA news agency reported.

“The removal of tensions between the two countries in the Gulf region is in the interest of both nations and the region,” Iranian Foreign Ministry Saeed Khatibzadeh spokesperson said.

He stressed that Tehran has been open to dialogue with Riyadh and voiced his hope that “a meaningful common understanding of bilateral and regional matters” will be reached. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed Saudi desire to develop good ties with Iran.