Iran has appointed an ambassador to Saudi Arabia, state media reported on Wednesday, concluding a seven-year calm in relations between the regional rivals.
The English-language Iran Daily reported that the new envoy, Alireza Enayati, previously served as Iran’s ambassador to Kuwait, counselor to the foreign minister, and director general of Gulf affairs at the foreign ministry.
There was no instantaneous confirmation of his appointment from the Islamic Republic’s foreign ministry.
After years of animosity, Middle Eastern leaders struck an unexpected reconciliation accord in China on March 10.
Saudi Arabia severed ties with Iran in 2016 after its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad were attacked during demonstrations over the execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr.
Before signing the reconciliation agreement, the two governments held multiple sessions of dialogue in Iraq and Oman.
Before reconciling, they had supported opposing factions in conflict zones throughout the Middle East for years.
In Yemen, Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition in support of the internationally recognized government. Whereas Iran has supported the Houthi rebels who control Sanaa and significant portions of the north.
