Iran is willing to restore its diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, announced Iranian President Hasan Rouhani during his reception of Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi.
“Iran’s point of view, there is no obstacle on the path of developing relations with neighbors and restoring relations with Saudi Arabia,” said Rouhani.
Iranian media outlets reported that Rouhani believes that in order to provide security and stability in the region, all countries should be together.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states severed diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 after Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated, culminating in Riyadh accusing Tehran of supporting the Houthis in Yemen and interfering in regional affairs.
US and Gulf states blame Tehran for targeting Gulf oil ships and threatening navigation near the strategic Strait of Hormuz since May, when Washington tightened sanctions on Iran's oil sector.
The President stressed that there is no way other than “brotherhood and friendship between regional states,” adding that all parties should attempt to put an end to the war in Yemen as soon as possible and establish stability and security in the country within the framework of Yemeni-Yemeni peace talks.
Rouhani also emphasized that Iran believes countries of the region should play an active role in ensuring regional security, especially as Tehran had previously presented the “Hormuz Peace Endeavor (HOPE)” initiative.
Regional security, especially in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, should be increased through developing cooperation, noted the President.
Earlier in September, the Iranian President presented HOPE initiative at the UN, describing its purposes as to promote peace, stability, progress and prosperity for all residents along the Strait of Hormuz.
Omani FM said that HOPE initiative aims for the security and stability of the region, according to Iranian media outlets.
Iranian Speaker Ali Larijani praised Oman’s role in creating peace and stability in the region, saying that regional countries need to sit down for talks to resolve their issues through dialogue.
Larijani stated that Iranian-Omani relations has always been “good”, adding that problems can’t be solved through force.
On the Yemeni issue, Larijani warned that it has many hidden layers, calling for a ceasefire first, then moving towards solving other issues.
Earlier on Monday, Bin Alawi met in Tehran with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani .
During the meeting, Zarif said he welcomed and supported any move or initiative to reduce tensions in the region.
The two officials discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional, and international issues, according to Fars News Agency.
The Omani Foreign minister highlighted that the current situation in the region requires dialogue and further efforts to reach mutual understanding.
“Holding a comprehensive and encompassing conference with all beneficiary states present can contribute to this cause,” said bin Alawi.
