Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ali Reza Enayati confirmed that communication with Saudi officials continues. He also indicated that bilateral relations between the two countries are progressing normally and are witnessing advancements in several areas.
Ongoing diplomatic contact
Enayati told Reuters that he is in constant contact with officials at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He noted that communication channels between the two sides remain active in following up on shared issues and strengthening bilateral relations. He explained that cooperation between the two countries also included facilitating the departure of Iranian citizens who were in the Kingdom to perform religious rites, as well as providing medical assistance to some of them, a move that reflects the level of coordination between the two sides.
Iranian denial regarding oil attacks
In a related development, the Iranian ambassador denied his country’s responsibility for the attacks targeting Saudi oil facilities, including the Ras Tanura refinery on the kingdom’s east coast. He also mentioned attempts to target the Shaybah oil field using drones. Enayati asserted that Iran was not behind these attacks, stating that if Iran had carried out such operations, it would have claimed responsibility explicitly. However, he did not specify who might be responsible.
Moves to reduce tension in the region
Simultaneously, a Bloomberg report indicated that Saudi Arabia has recently intensified its direct contacts with Iran. This comes as part of efforts to contain the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its repercussions on regional stability and global markets. The report quoted European officials as saying that Saudi officials have activated back-channel diplomacy with Tehran more urgently in recent days. The aim is to reduce tensions and prevent the conflict from escalating in the region.
