Iran Says Ready to Reopen Embassy in Saudi Arabia

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday that the country is ready to restore its embassy in Saudi Arabia.

According to the official news agency IRNA, Saeed Khatibzadeh said during a weekly press conference that the choice is still up to Saudi Arabia and the practical measures it takes.

Iran is now working on the resumption of activities by its mission to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, according to Khatibzadeh.

In press statements, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian stated that Iran had held four rounds of friendly and constructive talks with Saudi officials in Iraq.

"What we have stated as our official position is that relations between the two countries would return to normal whenever the Saudi side wishes. Iran is ready and welcomes the reopening of the embassies and consulates," Abdollahian said.

In early 2016, Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties with Iran in response to attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran after the Saudi killing of a Shiite cleric.