No change in KSA-Iran ties, clarifies official

The move is the first since the two countries broke off diplomatic ties in 2016. (Shutterstock)

• The move is the first since the two countries broke off diplomatic ties in 2016
• Saudi official confirms reports that the Kingdom has agreed to admit an Iranian diplomat

A Saudi official has clarified reports that the Kingdom has agreed to admit an Iranian diplomat to head an office representing Iranian interests in Riyadh.
The move is the first since the two countries broke off diplomatic ties in 2016 after Iran allowed protesters to attack and burn the Saudi Embassy in Tehran.
“An informed diplomatic source said on Sunday that Saudi Arabia had agreed to grant a visa to the head ... of Iran’s interests section,” reported the state-owned IRNA Iranian news agency adding that “Observers saw this ... as a positive diplomatic step in Tehran-Riyadh relations.”
However, a Saudi official told Arab News that the decision signals “no change in position whatsoever” with regards to the relationship with Iran.
The office is expected to be set up within the Swiss diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia, based on an agreement signed in 2017.
“It is done in accordance to the previous agreement with them, and they too will allow Saudi representation in the Swiss Embassy in Tehran,” added the source.
Saudi Arabia officially severed ties with Iran in 2016. Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir told a news conference to announce the Kingdom’s decision: “Iran has a history of supporting terrorism,” citing its support to the bloody regime of Bashar Assad.
Al-Jubeir said the Kingdom rejects all criticism of the Saudi justice system. He called on the international community to review Iranian intransigence, stressing that “all options are open for us to deter Iran.”
He added that each Gulf country will decide what measures to be taken to contain Iran. In response to a reporter’s question, Al-Jubeir said the Iranian government was involved in the attacks on the Saudi Embassy, adding that Iranian security was present at the scene yet they never attempted to drive out the protesters.
“The Iranian regime is the last regime in the world that could accuse others of supporting terrorism, considering that (Iran) is a state that sponsors terror, and is condemned by the UN and many countries,” he said in a statement to Saudi Press Agency.
Iran has offered “many Al-Qaeda leadership safe haven since 2001” in addition to “offering an Iranian passport” to a Saudi suspect involved in 1996 bombings in the Kingdom who was arrested last year, the ministry said.