Iran?s Regional Diplomatic Push: Is a Breakthrough with Riyadh Possible?

On 23 December 2021, Iran?s Foreign Minister (FM) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, while addressing a joint press meet with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein hailed the efforts made by the Iraqi government to clear misunderstandings between Iran and Saudi Arabia.1 Abdollahian declared that Tehran would participate in the next round of talks with Riyadh, which would also be held in Baghdad. More importantly, he expressed readiness for exchanging visits of technical delegations to their ?respective embassies and make necessary preparations for the restoration of mutual relations?.2 Abdollahian?s remarks put to rest the doubts about future course of Iran?Saudi dialogue as many in Iran, including Abdollahian himself, have blamed Riyadh for ?delayed repatriation? of Tehran?s envoy to Yemen, Hassan Irloo, who died of Covid-19 two days after he returned home.