Baghdad to host the next meeting between Riyadh and Tehran

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Source: A high-ranking Saudi delegation is visiting Baghdad today

•  Time: 05/11/2021 13:16:36
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•  Read: 1,859 times

  

(Baghdad: Al Furat News) A responsible source revealed, today, Tuesday, that a high-ranking Saudi delegation will visit the capital, Baghdad, this evening.

 

The source said, "The Saudi delegation will be headed by a high-ranking government figure, and this is the first visit of its kind."

He added, "For security reasons, the visit was not announced earlier, and the name of the delegation and its head is not allowed to be revealed."

On the seventh of May, the American New York Times revealed a high-level Saudi-Iranian meeting in the capital, Baghdad, this month.

It is noteworthy that diplomatic moves and talks are taking place in the Middle East during the recent period, even between the most adversarial parties in the region.

The most prominent of these moves were the negotiations between Saudi Arabia and Iran that were held in Baghdad under Iraqi auspices, which are expected to continue, according to the American "New York Times", which revealed an upcoming meeting between Saudi and Iranian officials, which may be held in Baghdad this month "at the level of ambassadors." .

In addition to Iraq's sponsorship of the Saudi-Iranian dialogue, Baghdad also sponsors talks between Washington and Tehran, as Bloomberg reports, citing informed sources.

Forgiveness Al-Khalidi 

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Has Iraq returned to a major player in the Middle East?

WHERE IS THE TRUTH?

GMT 11:46 11.05.2021

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Yesterday, Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh confirmed that there were Saudi-Iranian talks for the first time.

 

 

00:00 / 10:40

And Iraqi President Barham Salih revealed that his country had hosted more than one round of talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran , after weeks of Western media leaks about them, followed by statements from officials of the two countries that carried positive indications that such talks could take place, but without official confirmation.

Will Iraq succeed in bringing about a rapprochement between the countries of the Middle East?

On this topic, the guest of the "Where is the Truth" program on Sputnik radio, the head of the Baghdad Center for Strategic Studies and Foreign Relations, Dr. Manaf Al-Mousawi, says:

"These discussions, in which Iraq had a prominent role, indicate that the situation in the region is changing, despite the fact that the files of these discussions are many and numerous, and the question in them is related to how long these talks will take to reach final agreements."

Moussawi continued by saying, "There are currents in both countries that reject the dialogue and agreement process , so we see escalation processes by Iran's allies in Iraq, in order to bring the dialogue to the geopolitical situation, by possessing the elements of power and the effective mechanisms."

Al-Mousawi added, "Iraq, with its diplomatic relations today based on zero crises and other foundations, enabled it to be a major and pivotal player in the region, as it has good relations with all the conflicting parties, even the Turkish-Egyptian dialogue also came through the gate." Iraqi ",

[yota691]

Iran ready for closer ties with Saudi Arabia, says foreign minister

 

Javad Zarif says he hopes recent talks will lead to greater regional stability

 

Iranian Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif, said his country was ready for closer ties with Saudi Arabia and hoped recent talks would lead to greater stability in the region.

Mr Zarif was speaking in Damascus after a meeting with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad.

Baghdad recently said that it hosted and mediated talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia last month.

The talks have occurred “more than once", the hosts said, calling them continuing, “important and significant”.

 

Mr Zarif said he hoped they would “come to fruition” and lead to co-operation between the two rivals to bring more stability and peace to the region, particularly in Yemen.

 

“We certainly are ready and have always been ready for close ties with Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Tehran and Riyadh have long been rivals and support opposite sides in Yemen, Syria and elsewhere in the region.

Relations worsened considerably in 2016, when Riyadh removed its diplomats after protesters attacked its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad in retaliation for the kingdom executing a prominent cleric, Nimr Al Nimr.

In Syria’s civil war, Riyadh supported the opposition while Tehran backed Mr Al Assad’s forces.

Mr Zarif said Damascus would welcome better relations with Riyadh.

“I am sure our Syrian brothers have always welcomed co-operation in the Arab world," he said. "And we are also in that mood.”

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The new round of negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Baghdad lasted 4 hours, and this is what the two sides requested

 

•  

 2021-05-14 14:44

 

Shafaq News / The British "Middle East Eye" website mentioned; Iran asked Saudi Arabia to help it sell its oil by circumventing US sanctions in exchange for Tehran persuading the Houthis in Yemen to reduce their attacks on oil sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The British website was quoted in a report translated by Shafaq News; An official familiar with the Saudi-Iranian talks hosted by Iraq last April said that the aim is to end the conflict situation and win over the institutions of the two countries at all levels.

According to the site, an additional round of talks was held between the two parties, in the presence of a limited number of Iraqi officials who "contributed to bringing points of view closer and moistening the atmosphere."

Iraqi sources said that the Yemen war remains the most prominent issue on the negotiating table and was a focus during the meeting, which lasted for four hours.

She indicated that the Saudis sought during the meeting to ensure an end to the Houthi attacks, which occurred almost daily during the past months, targeting Saudi oil and economic sites.

The Iranians, on the other hand, have focused on achieving a breach of the bottleneck since former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed a wide range of sanctions on the Iranians.

Specifically, the Iranians have asked the Saudis to help them sell their oil again, according to a senior Iraqi official close to the Iranians and familiar with the course of the talks.

The official said to the British site; The Iranians offered to sell their oil to the Saudis at a price lower than the world price, on the condition that the Saudis sell it on the global markets on their own way.

The official pointed out that Iran relies on the UAE and Oman to sell its oil informally, and needs another regional outlet to sell its oil away from US sanctions, and that Saudi Arabia appears to be the ideal option for the Iranians now.

Despite the ongoing talks in Vienna on the Iranian file, the Iraqi official said he was not surprised that Tehran was seeking to pursue an alternative path strategy with Saudi Arabia.

"Opening a new outlet for Iranian oil sales clearly indicates that Iran is seeking to exploit the situation and expand its influence to new areas in the region," the official said.

The Iraqi official explained; "Iran is always thinking in a way that allows it to breathe easily under all circumstances and provide practical alternatives in order to be able to maneuver comfortably in its current negotiations (in Vienna) with the Americans," noting that the negotiations in Vienna may continue for months and possibly years, and that finding temporary alternatives represents Iranian thinking model.

According to Iraqi officials the British website spoke to, the Iraqi government has been involved in direct talks from the beginning, and is working to bring the two parties together in Baghdad.

There are two main Iraqi officials involved in managing the negotiations under the mandate of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi, and they are Muhammad Abd al-Ridha al-Hashemi, known as Abu Jihad, who is an advisor to al-Kazemi and is in charge of the Iraqi factions backed by Iran. The second character is National Security Adviser Qassem Al-Araji.

Officials indicated that Abu Jihad and Al-Araji have traveled back and forth between Baghdad, Riyadh and Tehran over the past two months.

According to the site, in addition to the Iranian request of the Saudis to sell oil, Tehran is also proposing that the Houthis be partners in power in Sanaa. On the other hand, the Saudis demanded an end to Houthi attacks on oil and economic sites, as well as an end to incitement, especially media incitement, practiced by Iranian institutions and Iran's allies, against Saudi Arabia, especially in Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon and Syria.

"The most prominent Saudi concern is to stop Houthi attacks on their institutions, and the rest are details," the Iraqi official said. During the last session, the Saudis and the Iranians did not address Lebanon or Iraq in detail.

According to Iraqi officials, Saudi Arabia is calling for a greater role for Sunnis in Iraqi government institutions, reflecting the size of the Sunnis in Iraq, and an end to Iran's allies' attacks in Iraq on Saudi Arabia's allies and potential Saudi investments in Iraq.

According to Iraqi sources, the new round of talks will take place in Baghdad within the next few days, and that an Iranian delegation includes figures from Iranian intelligence, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, and specialists from other security institutions who have not worked in Iraq before, and have already arrived in Baghdad days ago. .

"We want them to reach an agreement so that they stop using Iraq as an arena for their struggle," said an official in the Iraqi National Security Adviser.

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Iran: We did not ask Saudi Arabia to help us by selling oil

11:42 - 17/05/2021

 

  

The information / Baghdad ..
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh confirmed, on Monday, that the Iranian-Saudi talks are continuing and include bilateral, regional and international issues, ”denying the request from Saudi Arabia to help his country sell oil.
Said Khatibzadeh said in his weekly press conference, "The news that talked about Iran's request to Saudi Arabia to help it sell oil and circumvent US sanctions is untrue .
The Iranian government spokesman, Ali Rabiei, said last week that "the Iranian-Saudi talks will continue until results are reached."
Rabiei added, "Our discussions with Saudi Arabia were positive, and there are positive signs to resolve the differences between the two countries," noting that "Tehran and Riyadh discussed bilateral and regional issues during the two rounds of talks so far." End / 25

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After the Baghdad conference.. the resumption of Saudi-Iranian meetings if the Tehran government is installed

 

 2021-09-01 06:04

 

Shafaq News/ The US "Al-Monitor" website said on Wednesday that Iran and Saudi Arabia will resume their talks, according to Iranian officials' assertions, which will constitute the fourth round of negotiations between the two regional rivals, hosted by Baghdad.

 

The website quoted Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian as saying last night that he talked about resuming talks when he met his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan during the regional summit in Baghdad last Saturday.

 

The Iranian minister indicated that the Saudi side had agreed to resume talks "after the inauguration of the new government in Iran."

 

According to the website's report, which was published in English and translated by Shafak News Agency, Iran and Saudi Arabia have held quiet talks in Baghdad under the auspices of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi since last April, with the aim of easing tensions across the region.

 

He added that Saudi Arabia cannot extract the gains achieved by the Houthis in Yemen with the support of Iran, and is considering the possibility of restoring relations with the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is also backed by Iran.

 

According to the American website, the idea of bilateral talks between the Saudis and the Iranians was raised during the era of former Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, but it only materialized during the reign of Al-Kazemi.

 

The site considered that the negotiations could ease tensions in the region, and might lead in particular to reduce the dependence of the Gulf states on US military support and the US military presence, a development that would allow the Joe Biden administration to pursue a policy of focusing on East Asia.

[yota691]

Tehran: We have a lot in common with Riyadh

Tuesday 31 August 2021 139

 

 Tehran: agencies

 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh stressed on Monday that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a neighboring country in the region, and there are many commonalities with it.

Khatibzadeh indicated in a press conference that Tehran has held 3 rounds of dialogue with Riyadh so far, and that his country is ready, if necessary, to resume those meetings. 

The Iranian ambassador to Iraq, Iraj Masjedi, said in a statement to the Iranian "Al-Alam" channel: "Several rounds of negotiations were held between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Iraq, and they were temporarily stopped due to the transfer of power in Iran," and continued by saying: "The negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia I discussed the opening of the embassies of the two countries, and we hope to reach positive results during the next rounds."

In the same context, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed that the visit of Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian to Syria contained important messages about Iran's regional policies. 

This comes after Abdullahian's visit on Sunday, his first since his appointment to his position, to Damascus, during which he met Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian presidency said that Minister Abdullahian discussed issues of common interest with his Syrian counterpart, Faisal Miqdad.

"The presence of foreign forces in the region does not serve sustainable security and stability," Abdullahian said, adding that "all security and political arrangements in the region are subject to the participation and presence of all regional countries, including Syria."  

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Monday 13 September 2021 | 01:51 PM

| Number of readings: 105

Parliamentary Foreign Affairs reveals: 4 "secret" meetings were held in Baghdad between Tehran and Riyadh

 

The Foreign Relations Committee revealed, on Monday, the holding of a series of meetings it described as "secret" between Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, under the supervision of the Iraqi government .

Committee member, Mukhtar al-Moussawi, said that "high-level delegations held during the past year, a series of meetings that amounted to more than 4 secret meetings in the capital, Baghdad, with Iraqi mediation ."

He added that "Iraq played a major role in calming the situation between the two countries, and the region answers the challenges by bringing the parties together at the dialogue table ."

 

[screwball]

This is great...they have not talked in 40 years....Saudis opened their border crossing first time in over 40 years didn’t they? 

[yota691]

King of Saudi Arabia: We are holding preliminary talks with Iran, and we hope from them tangible results to build confidence

•  Time: 09/23/2021 12:50:56
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•  Reading: 572 times

  

 

{International: Al Furat News} Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz said that "Iran is a neighboring country," expressing his hope that the initial talks between the two countries will lead to "tangible results for building confidence and paving the way to achieving the aspirations of our peoples in cooperative relations."

In his speech to the United Nations General Assembly via video conference technology, King Salman bin Abdulaziz added that these relations are built on adherence to the principles and resolutions of international legitimacy.

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Masjedi: Tehran opposes any measure that weakens the Iraqi government, and Baghdad will host a fourth round of talks with Saudi Arabia

 

 Today, 15:07
Baghdad - conscious - Harith Abbas

Today, Friday, the Islamic Republic of Iran announced its support for the Iraqi government to hold elections on the tenth of next October, and while it indicated that the fourth round of talks with Saudi Arabia will be held in Baghdad, it submitted a proposal to solve the water crisis with Iraq.

  

Iran's role in the elections

 

The Iranian ambassador in Baghdad, Iraj Masjedi, said in an interview with the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "whatever the Iraqi people decide will be supported and supported by Iran," noting that "the Iranian Republic will cooperate and support Iraqi officials to hold the elections, after the conditions are available to hold them." . 

 

Iranian-Saudi talks in Baghdad

 

He added: "We are happy when we see Iraq playing a successful role in the region," noting that "the more the Iraqi political role emerges, the more it will lead to the joy and happiness of the Iranian Republic, which supports these endeavors and efforts."

Masjedi added that "the fourth round of talks with Saudi Arabia will be held in Baghdad," expressing his hope that "these talks will progress constructively with Saudi Arabia."

And he indicated that "the talks with Saudi Arabia are going in full swing, and we hope that we will reach certain results, and then that will be announced," noting that "the two sides want to negotiate and reach results."

Regarding the possibility of holding an Iranian-American meeting, Masjedi stressed that "the nuclear agreement was between the 5+1 group and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as the previous discussions were not bilateral, but rather with the European Union and the Americans, as well as the Islamic Republic of Iran," noting that "over the course of the new round, there will be no We agree that the discussions should be bilateral, because we have entered into discussions with the Europeans, and our positions are transparent and specific."

"The Americans are the ones who left and withdrew from the nuclear agreement, and they must return," he said.

 

Tehran's position on the Iraqi openness

 

The Iranian ambassador stressed that his country "certainly supports what the Iraqi government is doing to strengthen its relations with all countries, and we hope that the Iraqi government will succeed in full swing," noting that "the political conditions today require countries to deal with each other."

 

Al-Kazemi's visit to Tehran

 

Masjedi continued, "We thank Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi for his visit to Tehran, during which good discussions were held, the most prominent of which was the activation of the railway project linking Shalamcheh and Basra," noting that "Al-Kazemi indicated that after the forty decrees, the visa of Iranian travelers will be canceled through flights, and after Over a period of time, the visa for trips and visits may be canceled, because this issue was approved by the Iranian government and it was necessary to ratify it by Iraq.”

The Iranian ambassador expressed his hope that "this decision will be implemented by the Iraqi government after the fortieth visit."

 

Iranian bombing on the border with the region

 

Masjedi indicated that "the Kurdistan region should not allow the groups on the borders to target Iran," pointing out that "we have repeatedly called on the region and the central government to stop these actions, but unfortunately these groups opposed to the Iranian revolution cross the border and carry out terrorist acts, and then return to Kurdistan." .

And he indicated that "this matter must be prevented, otherwise the Islamic Republic will be forced to carry out operations against these groups," explaining: "We do not wish at all that the border areas and the Kurdistan region be exposed to any damage."

Masjedi called "the officials in the Kurdistan region and the Iraqi government to seriously address this problem."

Bombing vital facilities in Baghdad and Erbil

 

Masjedi stressed that "Iran has great respect and appreciation for the Iraqi sovereignty as well as the Iraqi government, and we oppose any measures that lead to the weakening of the Iraqi government in one way or another, as well as in the Kurdistan region as well. The position of the Islamic Republic is completely clear and transparent."

 

He continued, "If issues related to local affairs such problems occur, the Islamic Republic does not support or support at all," stressing the need to "support the Iraqi government so that security is fully established in the country."

 

Iranian consultants

 

Masjedi indicated that "during the period of the war with ISIS, our forces were supporting and assisting Iraq, and the Iranian advisors were cooperating with the Iraqi forces," explaining that "when the war ended, the presence of advisors depended on the circumstances."

He stated: "There may be a number of advisors based on the desire of the Iraqi side, and this depends on Iraq's need." 

 

Economic relations between Iraq and Iran

And between Masjedi: "We have cooperation relations in the economic as well as commercial fields," noting that "the relations of Iraq and Iran today are very developed, and both countries benefit from these relations."

 

The exit of foreign forces from Iraq

 

The Iranian ambassador added, "The decision to expel foreign forces from Iraq is the decision of the Iraqi parliament, and the Iraqi government, as the executor of this decision, stressed the need to implement the decision during the discussions it held," explaining that "the security of Iraq and the region must be provided by the forces of the region itself and does not need to foreign forces.

 

The possibility of ISIS returning

 

The Iranian ambassador pointed out that "there are remnants of ISIS present on the ground or in the framework of small groups moving in the region here and there," explaining that "the monitoring security forces should not allow problems and accidents to occur for the citizens." 

"The strength of the Iraqi forces is able to provide security," he said.

 

Security cooperation with Iraq

Masjedi said that "there are cooperative relations between the Iranian and Iraqi defense ministries," adding that "these relations of cooperation will continue based on Iraq's need."

 

Iranian energy import 

 

 

Masjedi said: "We have aspects of cooperation with regard to selling energy to Iraq, whether it is related to gas or electricity, as throughout the year these quantities sometimes decrease and may increase," explaining that "the necessary cooperation came based on Iraq's need, this volume may decrease." Because of the problems we have.

Masjedi called "the Iraqi government to pay and pay the Iranian dues," pointing out that "good meetings will be held, and the hot weather will be reduced little by little and conditions will improve more and more."

 

Shared water file

Masjedi explained that "during the past years, Iran has been subjected to a lack of rainfall as well as drought and water shortage, and these matters may affect the proportion of water," noting that "the Islamic Republic of Iran has cooperated fully with Iraq in this aspect."

Masjedi suggested that "the competent officials of both countries (Iraq and Iran) meet and discuss these matters and take a decision in a friendly and fraternal atmosphere among them," explaining: "We are willing and keen to provide any assistance and support." 

He continued, "We have also dealt with many problems, this issue is subject to consideration, competition and settlement," noting that "the Islamic Republic of Iran has made progress with Iraq in various files, whether political, economic and cultural."

 

Arbaeen visit 

Masjedi indicated that "this year, 60,000 Iranian visitors will participate in the fortieth visit," explaining that "after the vaccination and the Corona pandemic, this process will return to its tracks."

The Iranian ambassador expressed his hope that "visitors of the two countries can travel with ease."

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Tehran: Serious progress on Gulf security in talks with Riyadh

 international

 

•  Yesterday, 11:57

 

BAGHDAD -
A spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry revealed that the talks that the regional rivals, Tehran and Riyadh, started months ago, have made "serious progress" on Gulf security, according to what the official news agency IRNA reported on Thursday.
Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that the two sides had "good" talks on the bilateral relations severed between them for more than five years.
"Progress on the security of the Persian Gulf has been very serious," he said, without providing additional details.
Saudi and Iranian officials have held rounds of talks in Baghdad over the past months, which were first revealed last April, in what is considered the most direct contact between them since Riyadh cut ties with Tehran in January 2016.
Iran and Saudi Arabia are the two most prominent regional powers in the Gulf, and they are on opposite sides in most regional files, most notably the conflict in Yemen, where Riyadh leads a military coalition in support of the internationally recognized government, and accuses Tehran of supporting the Houthi rebels who control large areas in the north of the country, most notably Sanaa.
Likewise, Saudi Arabia, an ally of the United States, the archenemy of the Islamic Republic, expresses its concern about Iran's regional influence and accuses it of "interfering" in Arab countries such as Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, and is suspicious of its nuclear program and missile capabilities.
Khatibzadeh's statements came from New York, where he is with the Iranian delegation participating in the United Nations General Assembly meetings.
In his address to the General Assembly on Wednesday, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz expressed his hope that talks with Iran would lead to "tangible results."
In his speech via video link, King Salman said, "Iran is a neighboring country, and we hope that our initial talks with it will lead to tangible results to build confidence and pave the way for achieving the aspirations of our peoples in establishing cooperative relations based on adherence to the principles and resolutions of international legitimacy, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in Internal Affairs".
He called on Tehran to "stop all forms of support" to armed groups close to them in the region, and the importance of "making the Middle East free of all weapons of mass destruction."
Khatibzadeh reiterated his country's position that the affairs of the region and the relations between its countries must take place within a regional framework without international interference.
"If the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pays serious attention to the message of the Islamic Republic of Iran that the solution to problems in the region lies within the region itself (...
Khatibzadeh stressed that the "communication" between the two countries, which began during the era of former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, continued after his successor, Ibrahim Raisi, assumed his duties last August, without specifying whether the two sides had held direct talks since then.

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Saudi Arabia describes its talks with Iran as "friendly" and negotiations as "exploratory"

• FRI, 10-15-2021,PM 2:38
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• KARAR AL ASADI
•  
• 127

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http://non14.net/public/images/large/8-1634297937.jpg

The Financial Times reports that Saudi Arabia is "serious" about talks with Iran.

The newspaper reported that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that the talks with Iran were "friendly", while describing the negotiations as "exploratory".

The Saudi minister explained to the newspaper during an interview: "We are serious about talks... It is not a big shift for us, as we always say that we want to find a way to achieve stability in the region."

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian praised the dialogue that was launched between his country and Saudi Arabia, given the importance of the two countries' role in the region.

Abdullahian said that the dialogue between Iran and Saudi Arabia is constructive and "going in the right direction" and is in the interest of both countries and the region in general.

The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi , is sponsoring a  mediation that may end a 31-year conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which Iraq has pushed to be a part of, according to Prime Minister Hussein Allawi's advisor.

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Saudi King: Iran is a neighboring country and we hope it will change its negative behavior

Friday December 31, 2021 - 02:00
Riyadh - Al Arabiya Net (and news agencies): The Saudi King, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, said yesterday, Wednesday, During the annual royal speech before the Shura Council via video link, Iran is a neighboring country to the Arab Kingdom Saudi Arabia, and we hope that it will change its negative policy and behavior in the region, and move towards dialogue and cooperation.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques added: “Saudi Arabia is following with great concern the destabilizing policy of the Iranian regime in the region, including the creation and support of sectarian and armed militias and the systematic deployment of its military capabilities in countries The region, and his lack of cooperation with the international community regarding the nuclear program and its development of ballistic missile programs.”

The Saudi monarch said that the Kingdom is continuing the Iranian regime's support for the terrorist Houthi militia, which is prolonging the war in the country Yemen and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in it, and threatens the security of the Kingdom and the region, stressing that Saudi Arabia is keen on the security of Yemen and stability of the Republic of Yemen and the entire region.

He also pointed out that his country is keen to present the interests of the Yemeni people first, stressing that the Kingdom is still calling for Houthis to resort to wisdom and reason. He reiterated that the Saudi initiative is the solution to end the conflict in Yemen.

He also made it clear that his country is following with great concern the Iranian regime's destabilizing policy of security and stability, as well as Iran's lack of cooperation with the international community on the nuclear programme. He added that the Kingdom is following with great concern its lack of cooperation with the international community regarding the nuclear program and its development programs Ballistic missiles. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques stressed that the work carried out by the Shura Council is appreciated, adding that the vision of Kingdom 2030. It seeks to create a solid economy that faces international changes. He also continued that the start of the second phase of the Kingdom's vision is pushing the wheel of achievement.

He also explained that the stability of the oil market is one of the pillars of the Kingdom's strategy in the field of energy. King Salman reiterated the Kingdom's keenness, the largest oil exporter in the world, to continue implementing the OPEC agreement Plus “for his essential role in stabilizing the oil markets.”

And at the beginning of this month, the members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and their ten allies in the “Alliance” decided “OPEC +” (Plus), continues the policy of gradually increasing production despite concerns regarding the mutant Omicron of the virus Corona.

On the other hand, King Salman indicated that Saudi Arabia's global position is due to its Arab and Islamic position. In addition, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques thanked the citizens, residents and workers in the face of the Corona pandemic, as well as all the soldiers in all sectors and at the southern boundary.

On the Arab arena, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques affirmed, in his speech, the Kingdom's keenness and standing by the Lebanese people Brother. He also urged all Lebanese leaders to put the interests of their people first, calling for an end to the hegemony Hezbollah is a terrorist organization.

As for the international arena, King Salman stressed the importance of Afghanistan's stability and security, so that it would not be a haven to terrorist organisations. It is noteworthy that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, had inaugurated via video communication The work of the second year of the eighth session of the Shura Council, in the presence of the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

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Iraqi diplomacy awaits a fifth round of Saudi-Iranian dialogue in Baghdad

Saturday 29 January 2022 184

 

 Baghdad: Huda Al-Azzawi

 

The Iraqi diplomatic circles hope to reach a consensual formula in the meetings of the fifth round within the Iranian-Saudi talks sponsored and coordinated by Baghdad.

Indications are that the Iraqi diplomatic efforts have begun to approach a strategic goal related to normalization and the return of diplomatic relations and ambassadors between Tehran and Riyadh.

The statement of the Iranian ambassador in Baghdad, Iraj Masjedi, came in support of hopes that the fifth round would yield new results.

Masjedi said, in press statements, that "Tehran and Riyadh have the political will to solve the common problems that exist between them," adding that "the agenda of the talks is focused on the two countries being able to basically remove the stalemate that has persisted for several years in their bilateral relations and gradually return them to normal."

It is expected that the fifth round will witness, according to the Iranian ambassador, "good decisions and compromises that may need to be finalized, for the return of diplomatic relations between the two countries."

In turn, the director of the Iraqi Center for Strategic Studies, Ghazi Faisal Hussein, explained in an interview with "Al-Sabah" that "the issue of war and peace and diplomatic strategy constitute the pillars of the foreign policy of relations between states, which aims to build peace and mutual security."

Hussein pointed out that "differences and conflicts that take military forms with the continuation of the state of tension, expose the mutual economic and security interests to several risks and threaten opportunities for development, progress and stability for the peoples and countries of the Middle East and the Arab Gulf."

[yota691]

Iran’s Perspective on Saudi Arabia’s Next King

With MbS focused on implementing Vision 2030 and reducing tensions with other countries in the neighborhood, Iran could find ways to benefit from the crown prince’s ascension.

 

 Posted On: January 27, 2022

 7 minutes read

Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia has been tense and contentious, to say the least. Over these past few decades, varying degrees of hostility, sectarian rivalry, conflicting geopolitical interests, and an utter lack of trust have contributed to tensions between the two regional powers. The friction intensified significantly during the crisis of January 2016 precipitated by the execution of a prominent religious leader of the Saudi Shiite community, Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr, and the subsequent violence targeting Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. As a result, diplomatic relations between Tehran and Riyadh were severed that year. Over the past six years, a host of issues—from Tehran’s backing for various militias and non-state actors in Arab countries to its ballistic missile program, as well as Saudi support for Washington’s “maximum pressure” campaign—have contributed to hostile relations.

The world is currently preparing for the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), to replace his father as king. From Iran’s perspective, it is not clear how much Tehran’s relationship with Riyadh is likely to change after the succession is complete. Yet there is a debate among Iranian diplomats and experts as to whether having MbS on the throne would help or hinder efforts to move Iran and Saudi Arabia further along the path of détente.

Progress toward Normalization

According to an Iranian parliamentarian, the Persian Gulf’s two main powers are preparing to restore relations following a nine-month-old bilateral dialogue hosted variously by Iraq, Jordan, and Pakistan. Hopes for a resumption of formal ties have been buoyed by the arrival of three Iranian diplomats to the Kingdom on January 17, 2022. These diplomats, who will represent Iran at the Jeddah-headquartered Organization of Islamic Cooperation, are the first officials from Tehran that Saudi authorities have received since the 2016 crisis.

The Islamic Republic has its own stake in normalization. Severely hurt by U.S. economic sanctions, renewing ties with Saudi Arabia and other Arab states could help Tehran circumvent Washington’s financial warfare and other forms of pressure. Restoring bilateral ties can also help Tehran by “limit[ing] the scope for collision or friction in many places including in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq,” Dr. Hassan Ahmadian, who teaches international relations at the University of Tehran, told the authors. “Diplomatic ties, though low and not that effective in enhancing bilateral relations, can still serve as an advance alarm channel that could stop some sort of indirect spiral into confrontation around the region.” Indeed, reestablishing relations between Tehran and Riyadh may also help reduce confrontational attitudes against each other displayed across their mass media platforms, laying the groundwork for further diplomatic progress.

Despite these promising signs, reestablishing diplomatic ties is unlikely to produce great change in the Middle East’s geopolitical order. What is on the table is a “normalization” of Iranian-Saudi relations—nothing close to a comprehensive rapprochement. “I think even in the case that Iran-Saudi talks are successful and diplomatic ties are restored, the best-case scenario would be for the two sides to replace hostility with rivalry,” according to Dr. Hamidreza Azizi, a visiting fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. “In other words, no alignment is going to happen between the two at the end of this process, simply because the deep geopolitical, sectarian, and historical roots of the rivalry will not go anywhere,” he told the authors.

The Wild Card of Saudi Succession

Iran is forced to prepare for Crown Prince MbS’s seemingly inevitable ascension to the throne, a prospect that has provoked considerable debate among Iranian experts. On the one hand, MbS is seen as a loose cannon. The controversial Crown Prince’s past policy choices, from waging war in Yemen, to the Saudi blockade of Qatar, his government’s kidnapping of Lebanon’s then-Prime Minister Saad Hariri and the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, contribute to an image of dangerous recklessness. In addition, the crown prince’s past depiction of Iran as “evil,” as well as his assertion that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei made Adolf Hitler “look good,” have not helped MbS’s reputation in the Islamic Republic. To be sure, like his elders in the Al Saud family, MbS has a very negative view of Iran’s post-1979 political order and Tehran’s role in the greater Middle East. He has attributed Saudi Arabia’s departure from “moderate Islam” to Ayatollah Khomeini’s rise, arguing that the Kingdom’s ultra-rigid doctrines have emerged because successive leaders in Riyadh  “didn’t know how to deal with” the Islamic Republic. “Before the [1979 Iranian] revolution, we were living a very normal life like the rest of the Gulf countries,” said MbS in a CBS News interview almost four years ago. “Women were driving cars. There were movie theaters in Saudi Arabia. Women worked everywhere. After 1979, we were victims, especially my generation that suffered from this a great deal.”

A “King Mohammed” may offer an opportunity for a “fresh start,” according to some in Tehran. There is a view that MbS has learned some lessons and spent 2020 and 2021 scaling down his more aggressive policies throughout the region. The lifting of the blockade of Qatar, Riyadh’s efforts to mend ties with Turkey, and most importantly the Saudi-Iranian engagement that began in Baghdad in April 2021 all inform this perspective.

According to some experts, Iran has been engaging the Saudis based on the assumption that MbS, rather than his father, King Salman, has effectively performed the duties of head of state for some time. “I do not expect MbS’s elevation to the king of Saudi Arabia to drastically change the direction of Iran-Saudi relations,” explained Dr. Azizi. “After all, he has been the de facto leader of the country over the past several years, especially on issues related to foreign and defense policy. As such, I do not think even the current signs of improvement in Iran-Saudi relations would have appeared had MbS been against such an initiative. I think this is something the Iranian officials also know, and they have been formulating their regional policy already with the assumption that MBS is the true Saudi leader. Even when it comes to the Yemen war, most people in Iran see it as MbS’s adventurism, and therefore, relate issues such as ending the war or an agreement with Iran or the Houthis are also seen to be in the hands of MbS.”

Of course, officials in Tehran focus on how smoothly an actual transition takes place; they do not discount the possibility of a power struggle between the Crown Prince and elements of the Al Saud family who oppose his accession to the throne. For Iran, Saudi Arabia’s stability is of great importance, particularly given the ease with which turmoil inside the kingdom’s own borders could spread to its neighbors. “Iran’s view of the transition in Riyadh is focused on the outcome as it may destabilize the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which in turn spill-over to the Persian Gulf—a nightmare scenario for Tehran,” Dr. Ahmadian said. “So, for Iran, a smooth transition in Riyadh is ideal.”

Ultimately, what Iran wants is for Saudi Arabia to move beyond supporting Washington’s designs vis-à-vis the Islamic Republic. Regardless of the fate of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, both the Saudis and Iranians want to limit future escalation of tensions and avoid any military conflict with the other. With MbS focused on implementing Vision 2030 and reducing tensions with other countries in the neighborhood, Iran could find ways to benefit from the crown prince’s ascension. Whether this trend toward détente will continue for the long term with MbS in charge remains to be seen.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Gulf International Forum.

[yota691]

Iran welcomes the development of relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia

•  Time: 01/31/2022 10:51:52
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•  Reading: 845 times

  

(Political: Al Furat News) Iran welcomed the development of relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh stressed in his weekly press conference that Tehran "welcomes the development of relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, as well as all constructive dealings with countries in the region."

He also stressed that his country "supports all efforts made by the countries of the region to strengthen their relations with Iran."

Iraq and Saudi Arabia formed the joint committee for energy and manufacturing industries between the two countries in July 2020, with the aim of developing economic relations, and last week it held its last meetings, in which the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the electrical connection.

Saudi Arabia resumed diplomatic relations with Iraq in December 2015, after 25 years of interruption due to the Saddam regime's invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

After decades of tension, relations began to improve, following a visit to Baghdad on February 25, 2017, by the then Saudi Foreign Minister, Adel Al-Jubeir.

It is expected that Baghdad will host the fifth round of talks between Tehran and Riyadh.

[yota691]

Baghdad.. A Saudi-Iranian Forum of Understandings

Tuesday 01 February 2022 203

 

 Baghdad: Nafeh Al-Naji

 

Across the two banks of the Gulf, filled with problems, crises and tensions, Iraq stands with its quiet diplomacy and aspiring to restore its influential regional and international role, bringing together two rivals who separated for years, namely Saudi Arabia and Iran, in the last few meters of understandings on the land of Baghdad to restore relations between the two countries. 

Four rounds ago and a fifth could culminate in a final agreement that would give the impression of a calm atmosphere in a very tense Middle East. Is Iraq supposed to be the biggest beneficiary? 

Political and academic researcher Adnan Samir says: "Through this dialogue, Iraq is moving towards regional coordination to control the pace of its internal security, and to clear it of armed and extremist groups." 

He added, "Without a doubt, the intentions to impose stability are present, and the political will is available to end an important file that has affected the country's internal situation for years."

Parliamentarian Faleh Abdel Hassan said: "I am very optimistic about these meetings, especially since since the first meeting, Iraq has been the mediator, and this is a remarkable role for our country after a long absence from international politics." 

He expected that "the reflection of the understandings of the Iranian and Saudi neighbors will be positive on Iraq, and I also think that the two parties will reach an agreement regarding arranging the agendas of the region, including the situation inside Iraq." 

For his part, analyst Hakem al-Jabri stressed "the importance of regional and international coordination between all of Iraq's neighbors in the region for the purpose of curbing the role of militias and outlaw groups, whether it is the terrorist ISIS or the unruly factions that are still using weapons against the sovereignty of the state." 

He added that "security, intelligence, and military coordination is very required for the purpose of limiting this role and for the purpose of ending the armed conflict experienced by the Iraqi interior," noting that "economic stability is the basis for paving the way for a political atmosphere free of quarrels between neighboring countries and that there are new horizons that may open up on Iraq's economy." After the agreements reached in these rounds of negotiations.

[yota691]

The Minister of Foreign Affairs discusses with his Saudi counterpart sensitive issues related to the security and stability of the region

•  Time: 02/06/2022 17:28:03
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•  Reading: 130 times

  

 

Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein discussed with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan the reasons for the delay in holding the fifth round of Saudi-Iranian talks, and views were exchanged in this regard.

Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein stressed that the Iraqi government will work with all its efforts and invest all its relations in order to create a suitable opportunity for understandings between Tehran and Riyadh.

This came during a telephone call made by Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein today, Sunday, corresponding to 6/2/2022, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

The two sides discussed bilateral relations, cooperation and joint coordination in the field of supporting the two sides' candidates in international organizations.

In another context, the tense situation in the Gulf and the need to find ways to remove danger from the region and create a state of stability and security were discussed, stressing the willingness of the Iraqi government to play a pivotal role in this area. At the conclusion of the talks, the two ministers stressed the need to continue communication during this sensitive period of the region's history.

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The Saudi Foreign Minister discusses strengthening relations with his Iraqi counterpart in a phone call

Flag of Iraq and Saudi Arabia

 February 06, 2022 05:25 PM

Riyadh - Mubasher: The Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, made a phone call today, Sunday; The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, Fuad Muhammad Hussein.

During the call, according to a statement by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they reviewed aspects of Saudi-Iraqi relations, and ways to support and enhance them to serve the interests of the two brotherly countries and peoples.

The two sides discussed strengthening joint bilateral coordination, and everything that would contribute to the stability of the region and the preservation of international peace and security, in addition to exchanging views on many regional and international issues.

[yota691]

Baghdad and Riyadh discuss the reasons for the delay in the fifth round of Saudi-Iranian talks

Policy

2022-02-06 | 09:27

 

 

 

867 views

 

 

Today, Sunday, Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein discussed with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan the reasons for the delay in holding the fifth round of Saudi-Iranian talks.

In a statement received by Alsumaria News, the Foreign Ministry said that Hussein "had a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, in which he stressed that the Iraqi government will work with all its efforts and invest all its relations in order to create a suitable opportunity for understandings between Tehran and Riyadh."

 

The two sides discussed, according to the statement, "bilateral relations, cooperation and joint coordination in the field of supporting the two sides' candidates in international organizations."

In another context, they discussed "the tense situation in the Gulf and the need to find ways to remove danger from the region and create a state of stability and security, stressing the Iraqi government's willingness to play a pivotal role in this field."

At the conclusion of the talks, the two ministers stressed "the necessity of continuing communication during this sensitive period in the history of the region."

[yota691]

Baghdad is preparing for the fifth round of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia..and important details

• Time: 02/15/2022 10:59:11
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• Reading: 1,001 times

  

{Political: Al Furat News} The capital, Baghdad, is preparing to host a new round of talks, the fifth of its kind since mid-April last year, between Saudi and Iranian officials, according to assurances issued by Iranian and Iraqi officials in the past few days.

An Iraqi security official accompanying the preparations for the new round of talks said in a press statement, "Security officials will be among the delegations of the two countries, and the talks will take place within the Green Zone, and will not be announced before they are held, similar to the previous sessions."

The official reveals that the postponement of the meeting in previous times was not due to Iraq, but rather for reasons related to the two parties, the last of which was last month, denying reports that the postponement resulted from the political crisis in Iraq and security tensions, including the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi on November 7 second last.

He added that "Iraq is waiting for the Saudi-Iranian talks to progress further and move them to a ministerial level in order to present its own files related to the two countries, but that is still early, because the two countries lack confidence in each other."

And recently witnessed a series of official Iraqi contacts with Saudi and Iranian officials, the most prominent of which was Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi receiving a phone call from Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi on February 5, preceded by a call between Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein with his Iranian counterpart Hussein Amir Abdullahian, in which Discussing preparations for holding a fifth round of talks, according to an official statement of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, without specifying the date of its convening.

According to a statement by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, the Iranian Foreign Minister referred to "the bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and their improvement in certain areas."

The two sides stressed the need to continue the talks that started in Baghdad and reached the fourth round, and they also discussed Saudi, Iranian and Iraqi tripartite cooperation in order to start the fifth round of talks.

In its statement, the ministry added that Hussein discussed the same file with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan.

The first dialogue sessions between Iran and Saudi Arabia took place last April in Baghdad, after a series of visits by Iraqi officials to Riyadh and Tehran to bring the two sides together at one table, including the Iraqi National Security Adviser Qassem al-Araji and Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein, within Iraqi perceptions that easing tension between The two countries can contribute to calming the Iraqi arena, especially with regard to the activities of the armed factions allied to Iran. 

The Saudi and Iranian parties held four rounds of dialogue in Baghdad, three of them during the era of the previous Iranian government, and the fourth round on September 18, with the participation of two high-level delegations from Tehran and Riyadh.

It is the first in the era of conservative Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi, who assumed the Iranian presidency at the beginning of last August.

Last fall, the Iranian Foreign Ministry revealed that the talks had made "serious progress" on Gulf security, according to the official IRNA news agency, but confirmed that it would not "negotiate" about its allies with Saudi Arabia.

At the time, she considered it too early to talk about the move to reopen embassies between the two countries, linking this to "impressive steps taken by Riyadh."

[yota691]

Temporary suspension of negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Baghdad

• Time: 03/13/2022 08:40:16
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• Reading: 1,105 times

  

{Political: Al Furat News} Iranian sources announced that the negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, scheduled in the capital, Baghdad, have been temporarily suspended by Tehran.

Noor News Agency, affiliated with the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, said that the suspension of negotiations came with an Iranian decision, stressing that it is a temporary decision.

The agency did not say the reason for this decision on the part of Iran.

Yesterday, Saturday, Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein announced that the capital, Baghdad, would host a new round of Saudi-Iranian talks at the end of this week.

In a speech at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Turkey, he said, "The fifth round of Iranian-Saudi talks will resume in Baghdad next Wednesday."

He added that "the talks come to bring the views closer and restore relations between the two countries to their previous era."

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced last February that his country was looking forward to a fifth round of talks with Iran, expressing hope that the latter would show a "serious desire for a solution."

Diplomatic relations between Tehran and Riyadh have been cut off since 2016, but in recent months, messages have been exchanged about the two sides' desire to settle differences.

Last year, Saudi Arabia and Iran held 4 rounds of talks in Baghdad on the normalization of severed relations and ways to resolve differences, amid expectations that the Iraqi capital would host the fifth round of this dialogue soon.

[yota691]

 

Next Wednesday, the Iranian-Saudi talks will resume in Baghdad

 

 2022-03-13 09:27

 

 

Shafaq News/ The Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein revealed on Saturday that the fifth round of Iranian-Saudi talks will resume in the capital, Baghdad, this week.

 

Hussein said in his speech during the Antalya Diplomatic Forum held in Turkey, that next Wednesday is the date for the resumption of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia to bring the views closer and restore relations between the two countries to their previous era.

 

The Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, had announced earlier that his country would soon participate in the next round of negotiations with Saudi Arabia, which will be held in Baghdad with the efforts of the Iraqi Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

 

The Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan, had announced a few days ago the possibility of holding the fifth round of negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

 

Iran and Saudi Arabia conducted rounds of negotiations during the past year in the capital, Baghdad, in an attempt to overcome the crisis between the two countries and restore diplomatic relations to what they were before, before the situation between the two countries worsened after a mutual media escalation that led to the severing of diplomatic relations between Tehran and Riyadh.

[yota691]

Interesting March 15th 2022 https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/598257-saudi-arabia-considers-accepting-yuan-instead-of-dollar-for-oil