A regional analyst sees the Saudi Crown Prince’s recent remarks on relations with Iran not as a change of position, but as a change of tone, and believes that if Riyadh takes a rational approach, Iran will be open to dialogue without any mediation.
Contrary to his previous position, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently said in a statement that Iran is a neighboring country and we hope to have a good relationship with it. “We want good relations with Iran,” he told Al-Arabiya. “Our problem is Iran’s negative behavior, and we are working with countries in the region and the world to find a solution.”
The remarks were welcomed by Saeed Khatibzadeh, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and he said in a statement: “With constructive views and a dialogue-based approach, these two important countries in the region and the Islamic world can overcome differences.”, Enter a new chapter of interaction and cooperation to achieve regional peace, stability, and development. The Islamic Republic of Iran, by presenting proposals and plans for dialogue and cooperation in the Persian Gulf region, including the Hormoz Peace Movement (Omid Initiative), is a pioneer in the path of regional cooperation and welcomes the change of tone of Saudi Arabia.
On the other hand, Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani supported the remarks of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding the focus of his foreign policy on dialogue in the region, including with Iran, and wrote on his Twitter account: “Adherence “According to the UN Charter, respect for the sovereignty of countries and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries are the basic pillars of civilized countries and as a safety valve for maintaining security and peace in the region and the world.”
“We heeded Riyadh’s commitment to the central role of the United Nations in world affairs and the establishment of international relations based on the principles of equality, respect and fair consideration of national interests and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,” the spokesman said. ».
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan also welcomed Saudi Arabia’s desire to improve relations with Iran and stressed that the move would strengthen the Islamic Ummah.
“Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has taken a more publicly conciliatory stance on Iran and is trying to resolve long-standing animosity over balanced economic considerations and differences with Washington over how to deal with Tehran’s regional behavior,” Reuters quoted the Crown Prince as saying. Less slow.
Tensions between Riyadh and Tehran over the Yemeni war have risen, according to Reuters, and the Yemeni National Salvation Government has stepped up attacks against Saudi Arabia as Saudi Arabia seeks to attract foreign investment.
Khatibzadeh, the spokesman for the foreign office of the Islamic Republic of Iran, also said in a weekly meeting with reporters on Monday, May 4, about Iran-Saudi relations and the recent remarks of the Saudi Crown Prince: “Changing the tone and changing the discourse will definitely help reduce tensions.” But it will not have serious practical consequences unless it leads to behavior change. We have always been ready for talks at any level and in any form with our neighbors, including Saudi Arabia. We believe that the region and the nations of the two countries will see the result of such talks, which will bring more peace, stability, security, and tranquility. We don’t reckon that there is any doubt about this on both sides.
