Iran reopens diplomatic mission in Riyadh after seven years

Riyadh: The restoration of full diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran paved the way for the opening of Iran's embassy mission in Riyadh on Wednesday, after seven years.

The patching up of differences between the countries was made possible under Chinese brokerage, whereby a deal was signed in Beijing in March for Saudi Arabia and Iran to resume diplomatic relations and restore previous agreements on security, trade, and investment.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani announced that an Iranian technical delegation arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday to take necessary steps towards reopening the embassy in Riyadh, the consulate general in Jeddah, and Iran's permanent representative's activities in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

This follows a deal signed in Beijing in March between Iran and Saudi Arabia to resume diplomatic relations and restore previous agreements on security, trade, and investment. In another sign of easing tensions, Saudi Arabia is in negotiations with the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen to end the nine-year conflict there.

Saudi Ambassador Mohammed Al-Jaber is in Sanaa, the Houthi-held capital of Yemen, to stabilize the existing ceasefire and work towards a comprehensive political solution. The resumption of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran has rejuvenated the peace process in Yemen, according to analysts, with regional powers prompting their allies to push for peace.

Yemeni affairs expert Badr Al-Qahtani cautioned that while the regional peace agreements will not solve all problems swiftly, they will inspire everyone to work towards peace.