Mohammad Beheshti Monfared, the head of the Iranian foreign ministry office in Mashhad, revealed on Sunday that the Saudi consulate situated in Mashhad has officially communicated its decision to resume operations.

The consulate is set to commence its official activities starting from August 12, 2023. As a temporary arrangement, the consulate will be operating from a prominent hotel within the city.

This development comes after a significant diplomatic stride between Iran and Saudi Arabia, initiated by a visit from Iranian President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi to Beijing in February. China, serving as a mediator, facilitated discussions between the two neighboring nations, aimed at addressing their long-standing differences.

On March 10, a notable trilateral agreement was successfully negotiated among Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China. This pivotal agreement has paved the way for the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Tehran and Riyadh, effectively ending a seven-year diplomatic hiatus.

Subsequent to the landmark accord achieved in the capital of China, Tehran, important milestones were achieved. Iran's diplomatic offices in Riyadh and Jeddah were inaugurated, signifying a fresh chapter in their bilateral relations. Furthermore, Iran's permanent mission to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah was also inaugurated on June 6, solidifying the country's diplomatic presence in the region.

The announcement regarding the Saudi consulate's resumption of operations in Mashhad marks another significant step in the evolving diplomatic landscape between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and is anticipated to have far-reaching implications for the region's geopolitical dynamics. (ILKHA)