Tensions between regional rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia may be easing as of late, with Tehran claiming that Saudi Arabia may be ready to engage in direct bilateral discussions. This follows the visit of the Iraqi Prime Minister in an effort to mediate between the two countries.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters in a news conference Monday that Riyadh is ready to engage in direct bilateral discussions with Iran.
Khatibzadeh did not disclose the possible date on when the direct talks may take place. This followed the visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to Iran to serve as the mediator for the discussions.
Iraq hosted the direct talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia in April of 2021. The fifth round of discussions was also held in April this year. Tehran described the latest round as “positive.”
“There are still cases of disagreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, but they would need to be resolved between the two countries, something that will help the whole of the Islamic world,” said Khatibzadeh, adding that both sides have so far agreed to the accommodation of Iranian pilgrims going to Mecca for the annual Hajj pilgrimage that will take place in July.
al-Kadhimi was received by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian Sunday following the Iraqi Prime Minister’s trip to Jeddah, where he met with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince and de facto leader, Mohammed bin Salman.
During the joint press conference with al-Kadhimi, Raisi did not mention Saudi Arabia but instead referred to the issues in Yemen and in Israel.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels are in conflict with a Saudi-backed coalition in Yemen. Tehran has also accused Riyadh of pursuing close relations with another regional rival, Israel.
Iran and the United States are set to resume nuclear deal discussions, with the European Union serving as mediators in the negotiations. The talks will take place in Qatar.
The new spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry Nasser Kanani told state media outlet IRNA Monday that the country’s lead negotiator Ali Bagheri Kani will be traveling to Doha on Tuesday for the negotiations. The US special envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, will also be traveling to Doha.


U.S. Lawmakers to Review Unredacted Jeffrey Epstein DOJ Files Starting Monday
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality
Norway Opens Corruption Probe Into Former PM and Nobel Committee Chair Thorbjoern Jagland Over Epstein Links
New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains
Ohio Man Indicted for Alleged Threat Against Vice President JD Vance, Faces Additional Federal Charges
TrumpRx.gov Highlights GLP-1 Drug Discounts but Offers Limited Savings for Most Americans
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran
Netanyahu to Meet Trump in Washington as Iran Nuclear Talks Intensify
Trump Says “Very Good Talks” Underway on Russia-Ukraine War as Peace Efforts Continue
U.S. Announces Additional $6 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Cuba Amid Oil Sanctions and Fuel Shortages
Trump Allegedly Sought Airport, Penn Station Renaming in Exchange for Hudson River Tunnel Funding
China Warns US Arms Sales to Taiwan Could Disrupt Trump’s Planned Visit
TrumpRx Website Launches to Offer Discounted Prescription Drugs for Cash-Paying Americans
Nighttime Shelling Causes Serious Damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region Near Ukraine Border
Trump Signs “America First Arms Transfer Strategy” to Prioritize U.S. Weapons Sales
U.S. to Begin Paying UN Dues as Financial Crisis Spurs Push for Reforms 



