China praises policy of détente between Iran and Saudi Arabia

Easing of tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia followed years of bitter rivalry that destabilized several Middle Eastern countries

TEHRAN, Iran – China’s top diplomat Wang Yi has praised the recent détente between Iran and Saudi Arabia brokered by China.

Wang said the détente advanced a “wave of reconciliation” in the Middle East and pledged to continue to support Iran on “issues affecting core interests.”

Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, made the remarks during a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

According to China’s Xinhua news agency, the Iranian foreign minister briefed Wang on his recent visit to Saudi Arabia.

The easing of tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia followed years of bitter rivalry that destabilized several Middle Eastern countries.

Officials in Tehran and Riyadh said the two countries’ deteriorating relations with the United States was one of the main reasons for the policy shift.

The two countries have sought to reopen diplomatic missions in each other’s countries.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman accepted an invitation from Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian to visit Tehran.

During his phone call with Wang on Sunday, the Iranian foreign minister expressed his sincere gratitude to China for the constructive role it has played in promoting the normalization of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.”

He also briefed Wang on the latest progress in the Iran-U.S. nuclear deal talks, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).