BAGHDAD: Representatives from Iran and Saudi Arabia have held a replacement round of talks in Baghdad, two Iraqi officials said on Monday, within the first such meeting between the regional foes since President Raisi was sworn in in Tehran.
The meeting held last week discussed pending issues between the 2 countries consistent with a previously agreed-on roadmap, including diplomatic representation between the 2 countries, consistent with one Iraqi official. The official said the meeting wasn’t on a ministerial level, but described the talks as positive.
Iraq has recently played the role of mediator between the 2 regional foes whose rivalry has often played bent deadly consequences in Iraq et al. within the region.
Multiple rounds of discussions are held in Baghdad since the primary direct talks between Riyadh and Tehran happened in early April. Saudi Arabia has sought talks with Iran because the kingdom tries to finish its years-long war in Yemen against Iran-backed Houthi rebels, having lost an unflinching supporter in President Joe Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump. Iran, meanwhile, appears to possess calculated that a gradual detente with Saudi Arabia, a longtime US ally, will add its favor during renewed nuclear talks with Washington and world powers.
Last month, Baghdad hosted a regional conference that brought together Arab heads of state and senior officials including the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia.
