Saudi Arabia reopens embassy in Iran after 7 years, thanks to China-brokered deal

Riyadh: In a significant diplomatic development, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's embassy in the Islamic Republic of Iran has officially reopened its doors after a seven-year closure, signalling a remarkable step towards healing the wounds of a longstanding diplomatic rift.

This historic move comes as a result of a China-brokered deal signed by both nations on March 10, aimed at revitalizing their relations and boosting cooperation.

An undisclosed official from the foreign ministry revealed that the embassy resumed its operations on Sunday, August 6.

This reopening is in line with a joint statement signed by the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia on April 6 in Beijing. The statement outlined mutual commitments to reopen embassies and consulates, foster closer ties, and even restore direct flights between the two nations.

The seven-year hiatus in diplomatic relations, which commenced in 2016, was ignited by a series of events that led Riyadh to sever its diplomatic ties with Tehran. This rupture followed the storming of Saudi Arabian representative offices in Iran during demonstrations that erupted in protest of the execution of a prominent Shiite religious leader by the Sunni-majority Kingdom.

This breakthrough has been met with widespread optimism, as it not only mends the diplomatic fissure between Iran and Saudi Arabia but also sets the stage for enhanced trade, travel, and cooperation.

Moreover, this development also saw Iranian diplomatic missions in Riyadh and Jeddah being reopened on June 6, alongside the inauguration of the country's Permanent Mission to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah.