Saudi Arabia And Iran Are Holding Direct Talks To Ease Tensions

Mustafa Al-Kadhimi in Mecca, earlier this month. He is facilitating talks between Iranian and Saudi officials © VIA REUTERS  

Financial Times: Saudi and Iranian officials hold talks to patch up relations 

Senior officials from the regional rivals met earlier this month in Baghdad 

Senior Saudi and Iranian officials have been holding direct talks in a bid to repair relations between the two regional rivals, five years after they cut off diplomatic ties, according to three officials briefed on the discussions. 

The negotiations, which took place in Baghdad this month, are thought to be the first significant political discussions between the two nations since 2016 and come as Joe Biden seeks to revive the nuclear deal Iran signed with world powers in 2015 and de-escalate regional tension. 

Saudi Arabia is keen to end its war in Yemen against Iranian-aligned Houthi rebels, who have stepped up their attacks against Saudi cities and oil infrastructure. The Houthis have launched dozens of missiles and explosive-laden drones into the kingdom this year.  

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Update #1: Saudi and Iran held talks aimed at easing tensions, say sources (Reuters)  

Update #2: Saudi and Iran held secret talks over Yemen conflict: report (DW)  

WNU Editor: This is not the first time that Saudi Arabia and Iran are trying to ease tensions. Nor do I expect it to be the last.