Iran, Saudi officials meet in Brazil to reboot stalled talks during Lula inauguration

Iranian and Saudi officials met in Brazil on Monday, to discuss the future of stalled talks between Riyadh and Tehran, according to reports.

Iran's Vice President for Parliamentary Affairs Seyed Mohammad Hosseini met with Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal bin Farhan on the sidelines of the inauguration of Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Iran's Mehr News Agency reported.

Baghdad-mediated talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia had been lauded as a breakthrough that could help ease long-running tensions between the two regional powerhouses.

Since then, Tehran has claimed Riyadh played a role in inciting the mass uprising in Iran, Iraqi officials said.

An anticipated sixth round of talks has not yet been scheduled, despite Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stating he had been assured by Riyadh of their willingness to continue the dialogue.

Hosseini stressed to Farhan the importance of continuing the talks, Mehr reported.

The Saudi minister said Riyadh is determined to discuss concerns, the report said.

Saudi Arabia cut ties with Iran in January 2016, after its embassy in Tehran and consulate in the second city of Mashhad were attacked by protesters following Riyadh's execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr.

Iraq's hosting of a series of fence-mending meetings between security officials between the two countries began in April 2021.

Iran and Saudi Arabia support rival sides in several conflicts around the region, notably in Yemen, where Riyadh has led a military intervention in support of the government, while Iran supports the Houthi rebels who control the capital Sanaa and much of the north.