Diplomatic ties with Riyadh will be restored soon, Iranian FM

BEIRUT:Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian expressed hope Friday that diplomatic ties between Tehran and Riyadh can be restored through dialogue between the two regional arch-rivals.

Saudi Arabia cut ties with Iran in January 2016, after its embassy in Tehran and consulate in the second city Mashhad were attacked by protesters following Riyadh’s execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr.

Speaking on a visit to Lebanon, Amir-Abdollahian said he hoped “diplomatic missions or embassies in Tehran and Riyadh will reopen within the framework of dialogue that should continue between the two countries.”

He also hailed a potential rapprochement between Iranian ally Syria and Turkey, after their defence ministers met last month.

Iran and Saudi Arabia back opposing sides in various conflicts in the region, including in Syria.