Tehran, 19 July 2022 (TDI): Foreign Minister of Iran, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, in a phone call with the Foreign Minister of Iraq, Fuad Hussein, discussed the process of negotiations between Tehran and Riyadh.
#Iranian Foreign Minister @Amirabdolahian in a phone call with his Iraqi counterpart @Fuad_Hussein1 discussed the process of negotiations between Tehran and #Riyadh https://t.co/oSaxDtquiG pic.twitter.com/fm4PGLIg4P
— Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@Iran_GOV) July 18, 2022
The two sides discussed some issues of common concern in the field of bilateral relations. Both sides also discussed regional issues, including the talks process between Tehran and Riyadh.
Also read: Iraq offers mediation between Iran & Saudi Arabia
Iranian Foreign Minister appreciated the efforts and constructive role of Iraq in the formation of regional dialogues to strengthen stability, security, and development in the region.
Amir Abdollahian emphasized Iran’s readiness to continue to exchange ideas with its Iraqi counterparts to pursue issues of mutual interest in bilateral and regional dimensions.
Iranian Foreign Minister was also given Hussein’s assessment on the recent meeting in Jeddah at which Iraq was represented.
All members of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq attended the Jeddah Summit in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The leaders of these countries attended the meeting in which US President, Joe Biden, was the chief guest.
The Foreign Minister of Iraq stated that during the meeting, Baghdad insisted on necessary steps for regional cooperation. He said Baghdad insisted that it would continue its efforts in accordance with the peace and stability of the region.
Iran-Saudi Arabia Reconciliation Efforts
Iran and Saudi Arabia, the two regional important states, have had multiple rounds of de-escalation negotiations in Iraq. These negotiations aimed to mend strained relations between Saudi Arabia-Iran have been ongoing since April 2021.
Despite the claims of both parties, no substantial progress has been made so far.
Saudi-Arabia broke off diplomatic ties with Iran in January 2016 when Iranian demonstrators stormed its embassy in Tehran. Demonstrators stormed Saudi Embassy in Tehran following the execution of the influential Shia cleric, Sheikh Nimr Baqir.
Afterward, the Saudi Kingdom maintained a combative foreign policy toward Iran.
