Taghribnews (TNA) - Iran: restoration of ties with Saudi Arabia to accelerate ceasefire in Yemen

Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations says the recent conclusion of an agreement between the Tehran and Riyadh stands to contribute to the speedy realization of a ceasefire in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran in January 2016 after Iranian protesters, enraged by the execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr by the Saudi government, stormed its embassy in Tehran. In line with the deal, though, the two sides are slated to restore their diplomatic relations within two months and reopen their respective embassies.

The statement by the Iranian mission said the reinstatement of the ties would have "positive" implications on the three bilateral, regional, and international levels, including as far as relations across the Muslim world were concerned.
"It appears [therefore] that restoration of political relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia will accelerate the achievement of ceasefire in Yemen, initiation of popular negotiations there, and formation of an inclusive national government in the [war-battered] country," it noted.
Saudi Arabia invaded Yemen in March 2015 in collaboration with a number of its allies and with arms and logistical support from the United States and several other Western states.