A Saudi Foreign Ministry official confirmed on Friday, in statements to Reuters, that talks are underway with Iran to explore ways to reduce tensions in the region. The Saudi official stated that the discussions aim to lower regional tensions, but it is too early to judge the outcomes, adding that Riyadh wants to see "verifiable actions."
The remarks by Ambassador Raed Qarami, Director of Policy Planning at the Saudi Foreign Ministry, mark the first public confirmation from Riyadh about direct talks with Tehran. Qarami told Reuters: "We hope for the success of the talks, but it is too early to reach any specific conclusions."
In recent days, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman confirmed in a television interview aired by Al Arabiya that Saudi Arabia views Iran as a neighboring country, indicating that Riyadh seeks to establish good relations with it. However, he noted that the problem lies in Tehran's negative behavior, whether through its nuclear program or its support for unlawful militias.
When asked about Iran, he affirmed, "Iran is a neighboring country, and we aspire to have a good relationship with it." He added, "We do not want Iran to be in a difficult situation; on the contrary, we want Iran to thrive and for us to have mutual interests—so that the region and the world can grow and prosper." He continued, "Our problem lies in the negative actions taken by Iran, whether through its nuclear program or its support for unlawful external militias in some countries in the region, or due to its ballistic missile program."
He also emphasized that Saudi Arabia is working with its partners in the region and the world to find solutions to its issues with Iran.
