Smoke rises from Saudi Arabia's embassy in Tehran after it was set on fire by Iranian protesters on January 2, 2016. (REUTERS file photo)
Zero Hedge: Iran & Saudis Preparing To Reopen Embassies After Decade Of Regional Proxy War
In a highly unexpected and unusual development, and coming off a possible diplomatic breakthrough amid recent talks aimed at opening up relations, Iranian diplomats arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this weekend for the first time in a half-decade.
The two countries haven't had diplomatic relations since 2016, when Iranian protesters attacked the Saudi Embassy in Tehran following the kingdom's execution of a popular Shia cleric. They are reportedly preparing to reopen embassies.
The Saudis and Iranians have further been waging fierce proxy wars against the other in places like Syria and Yemen over a period of years.
Shia Iran has long funded and sent weapons primarily to Hezbollah, as well as Yemen's Houthi rebels, while the Saudis have funded Sunni jihadists including ISIS.
The two sides have also long vied for influence in Lebanon's politics, with Washington consistently backing the Saudis.
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Update: Iran, Saudi Arabia Close To Reopening Consulates: Diplomatic Source (Iran International)
WNU Editor: I am sure in these talks the Saudis are making it very clear that they do not want a repeat of this .... Tehran protesters torch, ransack Saudi embassy after Shia cleric's execution (CBC/AP).
2 comments:
I imagine the Chinese helped facilitate this detente between Iran and Saudi Arabia. China has excellent relations with both.
Another sign of waning US influence with the saudis.
Thanks China for holding a Middle East conference last week. Promising results.
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