Iraq’s president confirms Saudi-Iran talks, said more than one round took place

i24NEWS

May 06, 2021, 03:30 AMlatest revision May 06, 2021, 03:52 AM

Iraq's President Barham Saleh delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, on January 22, 2020. FABRICE COFFRINI / AFPIraq’s President Barham Saleh delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, on January 22, 2020.

Iraqi leader describes negotiations as ‘ongoing,’ ‘significant’ as Baghdad seeks mantle of regional mediator

Iraq’s President Barham Saleh confirmed on Wednesday Baghdad’s mediation in the talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two-long time-regional rivals.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Beirut Institute think tank, he said that Saudi and Iranian officials have met more than once.

The Iraqi leader described the negotiations as “ongoing” and “significant,” but did not comment on any progress made thus far.

He also stressed that hosting the talks was important for Iraq as it seeks to play the role of a regional mediator.

Saleh’s remarks make for the first time an Iraqi official confirms the negotiations in a public manner.

The Financial Times and other outlets reported on April 9, last month’s Saudi-Iran meeting in Baghdad, citing unnamed diplomatic and local sources.

Some of the reports on the matter suggested a focus on Yemen, where Saudi Arabia is fighting the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, with Tehran seeking Riyadh’s disengagement.

Saudi Arabia and Iran have been at odds since the 1979 Islamic Revolution in the latter and severed their ties in 2016 after Riyadh executed dozens, including a prominent Shi’ite sheikh.

Content retrieved from: https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/international/middle-east/1620286094-iraq-s-president-confirms-saudi-iran-talks-said-more-than-one-round-took-place.