CNBC: Arch-rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to revive ties, reopen embassies in China-brokered deal
* Regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies in each other’s countries, both governments announced.
* The development followed China-led negotiations in Beijing.
* In addition to resuming diplomatic relations and reopening their embassies and missions in each other’s countries, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to affirm “the respect for the sovereignty of states and the non-interference in internal affairs of states.”
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Long-time regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to resume diplomatic relations and reopen embassies in each other’s countries following China-led negotiations in Beijing, both governments announced via their respective state media agencies.
“As a result of the talks, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to resume diplomatic relations and re-open embassies ... within two months,” Iran’s news agency IRNA reported Friday.
Saudi Arabia’s state Saudi Press Agency confirmed the announcement in its own statement. The Saudi statement profusely thanked Beijing for its leadership in the talks.
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WNU Editor: When it comes to international news, especially focused on diplomacy, I am rarely surprised. I was surprised when I read of this successful Chinese mediation effort to repair ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Both countries still have a long way to go to repair ties and lower tensions, but this is a huge first step to repair those ties. As for China. This is a huge diplomatic win, and a recognition that they are now major players when it comes to international diplomacy.
Here is confirmation of this agreement from Iran’s news agency IRNA .... Iran, Saudi Arabia agree to resume ties (IRNA).
Here is confirmation of this agreement from Saudi Arabia’s state Saudi Press Agency .... Joint Trilateral Statement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the People’s Republic of China (Saudi Press Agency)
Numerous countries are now praising this rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia. But it is telling that the US and other Western governments have so far been silent.
Update #1: The US has responded .... WH Denies US Stepping Back From Middle East After Iran, Saudi Arabia Restore Ties With China’s Help (Epoch Times).
Update #2: I concur with this analysis .... Made in China: Saudi-Iran deal goes beyond Middle East, say analysts (AFP).
Iran And Saudi Arabia Agree To Restore Diplomatic Relations After Secret Chinese Mediation Efforts
Saudi Arabia and Iran Agree to Re-establish Ties in Talks Hosted by China -- New York Times
Iran, Saudi to restore ties in major step for Middle East -- France 24
Iran, Saudi Arabia agree to restore diplomatic ties after years of hostility -- CBC/AP
Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to resume ties after years of hostility -- Reuters
Archrivals Iran and Saudia Arabia agree to end years of hostilities in deal mediated by China -- CNN
China diplomatic success as Iran, Saudi Arabia to resume ties following secret Beijing meetings -- FOX News
Iran and Saudi Arabia agree to resume relations after China mediation -- Axios