Diplomat Upbeat on Regional Ties

EghtesadOnline: An Iranian diplomat expressed optimism about the prospects of Tehran's relations with regional states, citing the recent display of willingness by Iranian and Saudi officials to resolve disputes through dialogue.

News ID: ۷۴۸۶۶۱

08 October 2019

"In view of comments from the two countries' officials, last week witnessed greater calm in Iran's relations with regional states," Mohammad Irani, Iran’s ambassador to Kuwait, said in an interview with the Kuwaiti Al-Rai newspaper, ISNA reported.

Iran and Saudi Arabia have been at odds over a range of issues, the latest of which was the Sept. 14 attack on Saudi oil facilities that Riyadh has blamed on Iran despite its denial.

Nevertheless, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in a recent interview that Riyadh prefers a political solution to a military confrontation to defuse tensions in the Persian Gulf region, according to Financial Tribune.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani also recently said "Iran's doors are open to Saudi Arabia" and that bilateral talks will resolve many of the region’s security and political differences.

Kuwait's Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled al-Jarallah said he was positive about the current attitude of Tehran and Riyadh to address their differences.