Saudi FM to visit Iran in first after China deal, Iranian press reports

The visit will be the first in years during which Saudi Arabia and Iran were locked in a bitter conflict that has been felt across the region.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan arrives at Damascus airport, on April 18, 2023. - Bin Farhan's is the first visit to Syria's capital by a Saudi official since the start of the country's civil war in 2011. (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP) (Photo by LOUAI BESHARA/AFP via Getty Images)
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan arrives at the Damascus airport on April 18, 2023. - LOUAI BESHARA/AFP via Getty Images
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Beatrice Farhat
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BEIRUT — Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan will head to Tehran on Saturday, Iranian news outlets reported, in a historic visit after years of estrangement.

Prince Faisal is expected to hold talks with senior Iranian officials, according to Iran’s semi official news agency Tasnim. It was not immediately clear which officials the top diplomat will meet.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry revealed the planned visit earlier this week. In a press conference on Monday, spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said the Saudi official will take part in the reopening of the Saudi Embassy in the Iranian capital.

Riyadh has yet to comment on the reports.

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