Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince meets Iran's foreign minister in highest-level talks since reconciliation
Also read: Bahrain Steel to supply iron ore pellets to Essar's green steel project in Saudi Arabia For years, Iran and Saudi Arabia had been engaged in a bitter rivalry for influence in various Middle Eastern countries. Rivalry between Iran's revolutionary, Shi'ite Muslim leaders and Saudi Arabia's Sunni ruling family dominated the Middle East. This rivalry had led to sectarian tensions and conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Bahrain.
China played a pivotal role in brokering the reconciliation in March, leading to the resumption of full diplomatic relations. Saudi Arabia had severed ties with Iran in 2016 after an attack on its Tehran embassy over Riyadh's execution of a prominent Shi'ite cleric. Also read: India continues wheat, medical aid in Afghanistan, shipments routed via Iran's Chabahar port: Report Both sides have now found reasons to change their approach.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei seeks to end its political and economic isolation, partly driven by US policies, and views improved relations with Saudi Arabia as a means to achieve this goal, Iranian officials stated. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, has sought to diversify its international partnerships, particularly with China, due to concerns about US commitment to regional security. This move aligns with Saudi efforts to strengthen relations with China, which has maintained friendly ties with Iran.
Read more on livemint.com
