In a historic and transformative move, Saudi Arabia and Iran have mended their diplomatic ties after a seven-year rift. A new era in Middle Eastern diplomacy is heralded by the appointment of new ambassadors and the reopening of their embassies in honor of this historic occasion.
Reopening of Embassies
The Iranian embassy in Riyadh, as well as its consulate in Jeddah and representative office with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, opened publicly in June. This re-establishment of diplomatic presence comes after a protracted break since 2016. Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad have also reportedly reopened, with Abdullah bin Saud al-Anzi acting as the new envoy to Tehran.
Appointment of New Ambassadors
Alireza Enayati, Iran’s new ambassador to Saudi Arabia, presented his final report to Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian before leaving for Riyadh. Enayati, a seasoned diplomat and former envoy to Kuwait, has already flown to Riyadh to lay the foundation for higher diplomatic relations
Diplomatic Breakthrough
The end of diplomatic relations in 2016 was caused by rising tensions following the killing of a prominent Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia. However, a breakthrough occurred in March 2023, when China engineered an agreement after five rounds of direct negotiations held by Iraq and managed by Oman, resulting in the restoration of relations.
High-Level Visits and Meetings
High-level diplomatic interactions have enhanced this reconciliation. During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian met with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, as well as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit was matched by the Saudi Foreign Minister’s visit to Tehran in mid-June, showing the shared commitment to renewing relations.
Future Prospects and Cooperation
In a recent interview with the Shargh on a daily basis, Ambassador Enayati expressed confidence about the steady growth of bilateral ties and the prospect of further working together, especially in the economic sectors. He encouraged a transition toward a more collaborative regional security framework, away from old militaristic tactics.
President Ebrahim Raisi’s Upcoming Visit
Iran announced that President Ebrahim Raisi has accepted an offer to visit Saudi Arabia, although the date has yet to be confirmed. This visit is expected to boost the two nations’ recently reestablished diplomatic ties and open up fresh opportunities for working together.
The diplomatic rebirth between Saudi Arabia and Iran is a historic event with profound implications for the Middle East. As new ambassadors take up their posts and embassies reopen, there is renewed optimism for a future marked by relationships and peace.
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