‘New chapter’ opened in Iran-Saudi ties: MP
Sadeq Dehqan
Staff writer
A senior Iranian lawmaker praised the ongoing talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia, describing them as a “new chapter” in the development of relations in the region.
In an exclusive interview with Iran Daily, Shahriar Heidari suggested that these negotiations could be a model for resolving disputes and promoting bilateral cooperation between other countries in the region including Saudi Arabia and Syria, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Yemen and Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain and Iran.
The legislator, who is the vice chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, blamed regional disputes on the efforts made by the United States and Israel to divide the countries of the region.
“The regional nations are moving toward greater interaction and cooperation and intend to use their resources in the region to make progress and achieve mutual benefits instead of paying heavy expenses brought upon by the arrogant policies and conspiracies of Israel and the United States,” the deputy pointed out.
Last month, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore their diplomatic ties and reopen their embassies in Tehran and Riyadh following the Beijing talks mediated by China.
The two neighbors severed relations in 2016 in the wake of the Arab kingdom’s execution of a Shia cleric which enraged protesters in Tehran and Mashhad where Saudi diplomatic missions were stormed.
“The fact that the Saudis came to the conclusion that they will negotiate and reopen their embassy is a good starting point for resuming cooperation,” the lawmaker said.
He hoped that the two regional powers would continue to cooperate in order to ensure stable security in the region.
Heidari emphasized that Iran does not have any limitations on its relations with other countries, especially its neighbors.
“Iran has always advised its neighbors to rectify their mistakes,” said the MP, adding that “Iran is their true friend because the two share mutual interests as well as a common culture and religion.”
Heidari said that the countries of the Middle East have realized that the intention and goal of the United States and Israel in the region is “nothing but looting, sowing discord, and creating conflict and tension.”
“The US and Israel have always tried to stoke Iranophobia in the region to pursue their interests. At the same time, the US intends to give legitimacy to the Zionist regime [of Israel] in this way.”
The Iranian lawmaker also pointed out that the Middle East and the Persian Gulf have always been the focus of the world and global powers since it is crucial for these powers to gain a foothold in the region to utilize its resources.
He concluded that Iran and Saudi Arabia, as two regional powers, can guarantee stable security in the region by uniting and cooperating, which would, in turn, encourage other countries in the region to join them.
“To achieve progress and stability, it is essential to interact and cooperate rather than waste resources on disputes and conflicts,” he pointed out.