Iran open to negotiations with Saudi Arabia: Larijani

Iranian Parliament Speaker said that Tehran welcomes talks with Riyadh, adding that Saudi Crown Prince's preference to resolve issues over talks is a result of Iran’s military power.

Iran PressIran news: The speaker of Iran's parliament Ali Larijani made the comments in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera that aired on Tuesday, days after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) told CBS he would prefer a peaceful resolution with Iran in settling regional security disputes, as opposed to military conflict.

"Iran is open to starting a dialogue with Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region," Larijani said in Tehran.

"An Iranian-Saudi dialogue could solve many of the region's security and political problems."

"They will see that Iran's military strategy is working, that Iran is seen as a strong military power and countries that may not necessarily be friends with Iran favor dialogue over military conflict," he said.

No pre-conditions

"Riyadh can submit its proposals to be discussed at the Iranian-Saudi dialogue table without pre-conditions from our side," Larijani said.

"We also welcome what has been quoted that bin Salman wants dialogue, as perhaps it is good to know Saudi Arabia is thinking of the region's interests first," he added.

Cease-fire in Yemen

On his part, Larijani said that Iran has called on Yemen's Houthis to accept any ceasefire agreement with Saudi Arabia, adding that this would also be in the interest of Riyadh.

Chief of Staff of Iranian President Mahmoud Vaezi said on July 24 that the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes Saudi Arabia's offer of diplomatic interaction and engagement.

This was a response to Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United Nations, Abdullah Al-Mouallimi, who said on July 23 that his country does not want war with Iran and that the time to end the war in Yemen has come.

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