Diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran have been formally re-established, marking the end of a seven-year rupture in ties. Ambassadors from both nations have taken up their posts in Tehran and Riyadh, respectively.
Saudi Arabia’s ‘Saudi Press Agency’ confirmed that their new ambassador to Iran, Abdullah bin Saud Al-Anzi, arrived in Tehran this week. Before this appointment, Al-Anzi represented Riyadh in Oman. On his arrival, Al-Anzi highlighted the Saudi leadership’s commitment to bolstering ties with Iran and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue between the two nations.
On the Iranian side, Ali Reza Enayati was named as the ambassador to Riyadh. Prior to this, Enayati served in Kuwait as Iran’s ambassador. His arrival was marked by a formal flag-hoisting ceremony at the Iranian embassy in Riyadh, as noted by the ‘AFP’ news agency.
The diplomatic rupture traces back to 2016 when Saudi Arabia executed 47 people, including Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr on charges ranging from terrorism to inciting public unrest. The move led to widespread protests in several countries, including Iran. Matters escalated when an angry crowd in Tehran attacked the Saudi embassy, resulting in a complete break in diplomatic relations.
However, earlier this year, under Chinese mediation, officials from both countries met, laying the groundwork to restore relations. Subsequent to these successful talks, Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Tehran resumed operations last month. Meanwhile, in June, Iran marked the reopening of its embassy in Riyadh with a flag-raising ceremony.