After seven years, Iran reopened its embassy in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, signaling a step forward in the countries’ rapprochement brokered by China. The event symbolizes a shift in regional diplomatic ties. The Iranian embassy resumes operations in its former location in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, near the Syrian embassy, which is also slated to reopen soon.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Bigdeli stated, “Today marks a significant day in the relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” He expressed hope for a new era of cooperation between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia and Iran decided to reopen their embassies and work towards renewing ties in March, following a fallout in 2016 caused by Iranian protests. Riyadh, however, has not yet announced when its embassy in Tehran will reopen or who its ambassador will be, although a Saudi delegation visited Tehran in April.
The embassy’s reopening coincides with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Saudi Arabia. The oil-rich kingdom has been strengthening relations with US adversaries.
Ali Al Youssef, director of consular affairs at the Saudi foreign ministry, was also present at the ceremony. The embassy will be headed by Alireza Enayati, Iran’s former ambassador to Kuwait.
Saudi Arabia cut ties with Iran in 2016 after its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad were attacked during protests against Riyadh’s execution of Shia cleric Nimr al Nimr. The recent rapprochement agreement was signed in China on March 10.
This reconciliation has seen Saudi Arabia restoring ties with Iran’s ally, Damascus, and intensifying efforts toward peace in Yemen, where it has been leading a military coalition against Iran-backed Houthi forces.
Blinken is set to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah and attend a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday.
