Why is another Saudi-Iranian détente happening?
CGTN
Over the past two months it has become clear that Saudi Arabian and Iranian officials have been meeting and talking with each other. Initially the talks were denied when the news first broke at the beginning of April. But by the end of the month, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) said during an interview on state television that he was keen to see better relations between the two countries.
MBS's statement served as a green light. Since then there has been greater frankness that the two sides are meeting. That they are doing so is significant, given the longstanding rivalry between the two countries and the absence of diplomatic relations since their ambassadors were recalled five years ago.
Dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran is welcome, although it is not clear what results – if any – have so far been achieved. But what prompted the start of talks in the first place and where might they lead?
