Middle Eastern officials and sources reported that Saudi and Iranian officials plan to hold further direct talks this month, although a specific date has not yet been set. The objective is to ease tensions between the two countries, a significant step towards regional stability. Saudi Arabia and Iran compete for influence, as demonstrated in proxy conflicts across the region, including Yemen. Riyadh blamed Tehran for an attack on Saudi oil facilities in 2019, a claim that Iran denied.
Neither Riyadh nor Tehran has publicly confirmed the holding of an initial meeting in Iraq earlier this month, although the Iranian ambassador in Baghdad welcomed Iraqi mediation to mend relations with Gulf states. The two countries severed diplomatic ties in 2016.
The talks come as the United States continues its diplomatic efforts in Vienna to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between global powers and Iran, from which Washington withdrew nearly three years ago. Riyadh opposed the deal for failing to address Iran's ballistic missile program and regional actions. A Middle Eastern official stated, "The April meeting was very constructive, discussing many issues, primarily the Yemen crisis and the Iranian nuclear agreement."
The official and two regional sources noted that additional discussions could take place before the end of the month, but the timing will depend on progress in the Vienna talks. A foreign diplomat in Riyadh expects a second meeting to be held in late April or early May.
Informed sources indicated that the discussions, which began after the Iraqi Prime Minister's visit to Riyadh, are led by Saudi intelligence chief Khalid Humaidan and Iranian National Security Council Deputy Secretary Saeed Araqchi.
**Focus on Yemen**
Three sources, including the diplomat, stated that the primary focus was on Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is fighting the Iranian-aligned Houthi movement, which has intensified drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The regional official mentioned that the Iranian side promised to use Tehran's influence to halt the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and, in return, requested Riyadh to support the nuclear discussions, which another informed source confirmed.
The Saudi government communication center did not immediately respond to a request for comment. U.S. President Joe Biden has made ending the nearly six-year-old Yemen war a priority for his administration. Tim Lenderking, the U.S. special envoy for Yemen, stated on Wednesday, "We would welcome Iran playing a constructive role, if they are willing." However, he added, "We have not seen any indications of that."
Two other regional sources said the meeting also addressed the situation in Lebanon, where Riyadh is concerned about the growing influence of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
The diplomat noted, "I don't think they are likely to reach an agreement at this time," adding that the goal is likely to prevent any actions that could escalate tensions.
The Vienna talks aim to bring Washington and Tehran back to full compliance with the nuclear agreement. Iran had violated key nuclear restrictions in response to sanctions reimposed by former President Donald Trump's administration in 2018.
Other parties to the agreement, as well as the U.S. and Iran, stated on Tuesday that progress had been made, but both Washington and Tehran indicated that there is still a long way to go.
Riyadh has called on Iran to engage in talks and urged the international community to reach a stronger and longer-lasting nuclear agreement. Additionally, Saudi Arabia and its allies have demanded expanded discussions involving Gulf states. A Saudi Foreign Ministry official indicated that any agreement in Vienna is expected to serve as a starting point leading to broader talks facilitated by confidence-building measures.
