Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian

In an interview with Iran's IRNA news agency, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian welcomed remarks by a high-ranking Saudi official, which conveyed the kingdom's desire to re-establish bilateral relations with Iran.

The Iranian Foreign Minister said the reason the two countries do not enjoy relations is due to Riyadh's decision to cut off diplomatic relations with Tehran.

"We have different views and approaches on some regional issues, but the handling of the difference by the two sides can serve the interests of the two nations, as well as the friendly and brotherly countries," Amir-Abdollahian said in the interview.

He added that the four rounds of talks held with Saudi Arabia in 2021 created a positive atmosphere and brought results, "and we are pleased that Saudi Arabia has stepped in the path of dialogue, and the continuation of this view can lead to positive results because the improvement of relations and cooperation is in the interest of the two countries."

The top Iranian diplomat commented on the war on Yemen, saying it is clear that the Yemeni crisis "has no military solution", stressing the importance of intra-Yemeni dialogue, far from foreign interference, which can be achieved through an end to the blockade and the war.