Iran Remains Open to Talks with Neighbors, Zarif Says


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif voiced Tehran’s preparedness to hold talks with neighbors a day after his Saudi counterpart said the kingdom was open to talks with the Islamic Republic.

Iran remains open to dialogue with its neighbors, Zarif said in a message on his Twitter account on Thursday, written in the Arabic language.

“We announce our readiness to participate in any complementary work that is in the interest of the region,” he added.

“We welcome any step that restores hope to its people and brings them stability and prosperity,” Zarif added.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said Riyadh is open to talks with Tehran “but it is really up to Iran”.

The Saudi diplomat also said he was glad the region has “avoided any escalation” with Iran, adding that “many countries" have offered to mediate talks with Tehran.