Saudi-Iran rapprochement distances normalization: Israeli media

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Jun 2023 15:08
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Israeli media expresses concern regarding its normalization with Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom is strengthening bilateral ties with Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Saudi Arabian counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan during his visit to Tehran. (AFP)

Israeli media debated that the Saudi-Iran rapprochement inflicted harm on "Israel" and its interests in the region. Additionally, it controverted Israeli attempts to isolate Iran on the diplomatic level in West Asia and the world.

The rapprochement also distanced the kingdom from normalizing ties with "Israel", Israeli media reported.

In a similar context, Israeli media highlighted that the US has been increasing its attempts to mediate an agreement in recent months, with Washington holding frequent meetings with both sides despite repeated assurances by the kingdom that it will not normalize ties with the Israeli occupation until a Palestinian state is established.

Israeli media also highlighted that US Mideast envoy Brett McGurk led this week a mission to the region to discuss normalization between Riyadh and "Tel Aviv" and that following his visit to Riyadh earlier this month, Blinken held a 40-minute phone conversation with Israeli occupation Prime Miniter Benjamin Netanyahu about the "Saudis' requirements" for an agreement.

This is happening as Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Saudi Arabian counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced an agreement to form joint political and economic committees.

Upon the Iranian counterpart's invitation, bin Farhan arrived Saturday in the Iranian capital, Tehran, heading a high-ranking delegation to hold talks with Iranian officials regarding bilateral ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Upon his arrival, bin Farhan was welcomed by Amir-Abdollahian at the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Following the welcoming ceremony, the two top diplomats held a meeting at the Ministry.

This is the Saudi minister's first visit to Iran since the two nations signed on March 10 a Chinese-brokered agreement to restore diplomatic ties after several years of rift.

It is noteworthy that Tehran reopened its embassy in Riyadh in early June, some three months after the two sides agreed to reestablish bilateral relations.