Iran says ready for talks with Saudi, with or without mediation

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Iran says ready for talks with Saudi, with or without mediation

Reuters Published October 12, 2019

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif speaks at "Common Security in the Islamic World" forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 29. — Reuters/File

Iran is prepared to hold talks with regional rival Saudi Arabia, with or without the help of a mediator, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, ahead of a visit by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Asked about reports that Prime Minister Imran, due to arrive in Iran at the weekend, may try to mediate between Tehran and Riyadh, Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said: “I am not aware of any mediation,” according to state broadcaster IRIB.

“Iran has announced that, with or without a mediator, it is always ready to hold talk with its neighbours, including Saudi Arabia, to get rid of any misunderstandings,” Mousavi added.

Iran's foreign minister signalled this week that his country would be willing to discuss regional issues with Saudi Arabia, but that Riyadh had to stop “killing people”.

Saudi Arabia, which is locked in several proxy wars in the region with Iran, has blamed Tehran for attacks on Saudi oil plants on September 14, a charge Iran denies. The kingdom has said it prefers a political solution to a military one.

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S K

Oct 12, 2019 07:54pm

Thumps down for Niazi Imran Khan!

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india

Oct 12, 2019 08:02pm

very much diplomatic

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Reality check

Oct 12, 2019 08:11pm

That’s a polite way of saying that Imran’s services are not required.

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Skkk

Oct 12, 2019 08:41pm

Great to know both want political solution. IK and Pakistan will be useful here.

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Novoice

Oct 12, 2019 09:17pm

Dear Mr. Zarif, Please wait for our PM to come and solve your problems. As he has already solved all problems in Pakistan.

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Tariq

Oct 12, 2019 10:27pm

If they are ready to talk with or "without" mediation then why our PM is wasting energy and precious tax money on such effort specially when none of the parties has asked for and when we don't have any clout on them? Please focus on economy.

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Mujahid Hussain

Oct 12, 2019 10:54pm

Why we are so obsessed for mediation? Please use energies on internal matters and control inflation. Middle class of this country is in extreme trouble due to cast of living, that is increasing day by day.

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Justice

Oct 12, 2019 11:10pm

Then why our PM is going around telling everywhere that he is mediating? PM Khan shouldn't spread this kind of falsehood.

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Makdoom Bihari

Oct 12, 2019 11:47pm

Off course you are ready. Economic Danda is working.

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Aamir

Oct 13, 2019 05:54am

Now?

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Gretekan

Oct 13, 2019 06:50am

So what's IK wasting his time for?

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Denny

Oct 13, 2019 07:54am

It means, time for Pak PM to look into Pak's economy rather wasting time, effort and money on unnecessary issues.

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indian

Oct 13, 2019 08:02am

Yet another example of Pakistan being insignificant and inconsequential for the rest of the world.

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azam khan

Oct 13, 2019 10:51pm

Now that's an irritating statement.

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