Zarif's Deputy: We Have Received Positive Messages from Saudi Arabia

The Arab and African Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, referring to the differences between Iran and Saudi Arabia, stated: "We have received some positive signals from Saudi Arabia in the form of messages, but Saudi Arabia's practical behavior is what matters to us." Hossein Amir Abdollahian, in an interview on Monday, August 12, continued: "We will take constructive steps in response to Saudi Arabia's practical behavior if it plays a constructive role. The important point is that Saudi Arabia must act wisely, distance itself from war, stop the killing of people in the region, especially women and children in Yemen, and focus on a political approach in all regional issues." Mr. Amir Abdollahian also mentioned that during a meeting with Adel al-Jubeir, the new Saudi Foreign Minister, on the sidelines of the Islamic Cooperation Conference, he emphasized that the two countries should start "clear, constructive, and effective dialogues." Regarding this meeting, which took place on Wednesday, June 17, he added: "We heard positive words from Mr. Adel al-Jubeir in this regard, and we hope to see practical translation of these words in the future." Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia have soured over the past few years, especially after the Syrian civil war, and recent battles in Yemen have exacerbated these tensions. Saudi Arabia accuses Iran of interfering in Yemen's internal affairs, but Iran has denied these accusations while protesting Saudi military intervention in Yemen. The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister further described the Vienna nuclear agreement as "a model for resolving regional crises" and added: "This agreement has been able to strengthen the message that one can distance themselves from war and achieve a political solution through diplomatic negotiation." Mr. Amir Abdollahian's statements come as Reuters reported on Wednesday, August 7, that most Gulf countries are concerned that the nuclear agreement will strengthen Iran-U.S. relations and embolden Tehran to expand its influence. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Doha, the capital of Qatar, early Monday to meet with the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council to discuss the nuclear agreement with Iran, as well as the situations in Syria and Yemen. Mr. Kerry stated on Sunday in Cairo, before traveling to Qatar, that "there is no doubt" that the nuclear agreement with Iran, if implemented, would make the Middle East a safer place. In response to Turkey's agreement to allow the U.S. to use its airbase to attack the Islamic State group, Mr. Amir Abdollahian said that Turkey's security is important for the Islamic Republic, but Iran does not support actions that lead to "violations of neighbors' sovereignty." He emphasized that the fight against ISIS by Turkey or any other country in the region should be done "in coordination" with the governments of Syria and Iraq. In recent weeks, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has agreed to the request of the U.S.-led coalition to use its airbases against the Islamic State group. The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister also reported that "political dialogues" between Iran and Egypt are "ongoing." He noted that "it is the Egyptians who must decide on the development of relations with the Islamic Republic in light of their own problems." Iran and Egypt have not had diplomatic relations since 1979 and only have interest protection offices in each other's capitals. Tehran had hoped that the rise of Mohamed Morsi would improve relations between the two countries, but Mr. Morsi criticized the Syrian regime during the opening of the Non-Aligned Movement summit in Tehran, and the official translator of Iranian television mistakenly replaced the word Syria with Bahrain in his speech. After Mr. Morsi was ousted from the presidency by the Egyptian army on July 3, 2013, Iranian officials expressed concern over the developments in Egypt and the army's actions. Mr. Amir Abdollahian also emphasized in his interview that Iran has "no plans for joint action" with the U.S. against ISIS. Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, also stated on July 18 that the Islamic Republic will not negotiate with the U.S. on various global, bilateral, and regional issues. However, Khamenei has not declared a ban on discussions with European countries regarding regional issues. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have emphasized cooperation with Europe in the fight against ISIS in recent meetings with European officials.