Senior Saudi official denies holding secret talks with Iran

A senior Saudi official has denied holding secret talks between the kingdom and Iran.

The Saudi official’s remarks came hours after the Financial Times reported that Riyadh and Tehran held direct talks in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on 9 April following years of diplomatic estrangement.

According to the report, officials discussed the attacks launched by the Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi militia on Saudi Arabia, adding that another round of talks will be held next week with facilitation from Iraqi Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.

Iran has recently called on the Gulf states to engage in broad regional cooperation and dialogue to establish security and stability in the region.

However, Saudi Arabia has not announced any intention to engage in dialogue with Tehran.

READ: Saudi Arabia concerned with Iran’s nuclear programme