According to the New York Times, quoting Iranian sources, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has opened up private discussions with Iranian security officials. Although MBS did not confirm the report of talks, he did tell a TV interview that he hoped to “build a good and positive relationship with Iran.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said at a press briefing on April 29 in response to Prince Mohammed’s remarks: “With negotiations and a constructive outlook, the two important countries in the region and the Islamic world can put their differences behind them and enter a new phase of cooperation and tolerance to bring stability and peace to the region.”
The TImes reports: “Neither Iran nor Saudi Arabia, however, have publicly acknowledged the talks. Saudi officials have even publicly denied them. Their existence was confirmed privately by Iraqi and Iranian officials.” The unnamed officials told the Times the countries had agreed to hold further talks in Baghdad in May, possibly between ambassadors. Asked to comment, the Saudi government issued a statement that it would “pursue any opportunity to promote peace and stability in the region,” provided that Iran “shows goodwill” and “ceases its malign activities.”
