Iran says talks with regional rival Saudi Arabia resumed in Baghdad

The Iranian flag waves in entrance of the Worldwide Atomic Power Company (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna, Austria, March 1, 2021. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photograph

April 23 (Reuters) – Rival regional powers Iran and Saudi Arabia resumed talks within the Iraqi capital after they had been suspended in March, Iran’s semi-official Nour Information reported on Saturday.

There was no affirmation from Saudi Arabia or Iraq on the resumption of the talks.

“The newest optimistic assembly has raised hopes for the 2 international locations to take steps towards the resumption of ties,” stated Nour Information, which is affiliated with the nation’s Supreme Nationwide Safety Council. It didn’t say when the fifth spherical of talks had been held.

Riyadh severed ties with Tehran in 2016 after Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy within the Iranian capital following the execution of a Shi’ite cleric in Saudi Arabia.

Iran suspended the talks in March with out giving a motive for the choice that got here as a brand new spherical of negotiations was attributable to begin. The transfer got here after Saudi Arabia executed 81 males in its greatest mass execution in many years. Tehran condemned the executions that activists stated included 41 Shi’ite Muslims. learn extra

Predominantly Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi’ite Iran, that are locked in proxy conflicts across the area, began direct talks final 12 months to attempt to include tensions.

Saudi Arabia and Iran have backed opposing sides in regional conflicts and political disputes in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq for years, and Saudi Arabia has led an Arab coalition waging battle towards the Iran-aligned Houthi motion in Yemen since 2015.

Enhancing by Kim Coghill

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