Zarif's Remarks on 'Creating a New Page' with Saudi Arabia

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stated that Tehran has always been ready for dialogue with Saudi Arabia and welcomes such discussions. In an interview with Al-Mayadeen, Zarif said, 'Iran has always been ready for dialogue, but neighboring countries have not been prepared, and we welcome any developments in this regard. If Saudi Arabia wants to create a new page with Iran, we are also ready for it.' He further noted that to create a new page, one should not look at the regional situation, which is critical, but rather discuss cooperation. Zarif's interview aired on Tuesday. On the same day, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir dismissed Zarif's recent comments about readiness for dialogue as 'ridiculous,' stating, 'We do not see any seriousness from Iran for dialogue and diplomatic cooperation.' Despite Jubeir's stance, there have been signs in recent months of a potential softening of positions between Tehran and Riyadh. This year, Saudi Arabia and Iran reached an agreement for the dispatch of Iranian pilgrims to Hajj, with Iranian officials describing Saudi behavior towards Iranians as appropriate. Two years ago, hundreds of Iranian pilgrims were killed during the Hajj. For instance, Ghazi Askar, head of Iranian pilgrims, expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the Hajj and stated, '...now that the Hajj has been successfully held, it is a good time for both sides to negotiate on resolving bilateral issues in other areas.' Meanwhile, Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, stated that Iran has no issues with Saudi Arabia in bilateral relations, 'but in regional matters, our recommendation is that Saudi Arabia should not interfere in the affairs of regional countries.' Velayati also expressed satisfaction with the organization of Hajj and referred to the planned visit of diplomatic delegations from both countries as a 'positive step' in improving relations. Iran recently issued visas for a Saudi diplomatic delegation to visit its embassy and consulate. Two years ago, following the execution of Sheikh Nimr, a Shiite dissident cleric in Saudi Arabia, a group of protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic sites in Iran, leading to the severance of relations between the two countries. The delegation's visit is to assess the damages inflicted on the embassy and consulate. Earlier, Iranian media quoted the Iraqi interior minister, who visited Iran, stating that Saudi Arabia requested Baghdad's mediation in reducing tensions between the two countries. However, the Saudi Foreign Ministry denied any request for mediation. Previously, during the Executive Committee meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, Adel al-Jubeir and Mohammad Javad Zarif shook hands and embraced each other with the mediation of attendees. Nonetheless, Zarif stated in his interview with Al-Mayadeen that this action was within the framework of diplomatic norms. Iran and Saudi Arabia have opposing positions in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Bahrain, with their allies standing against each other.