Iran has reopened its embassy in Saudi Arabia after seven years, marking progress in restoring ties and lowering tensions between the two Gulf neighbors.
Driving the news: The reopening of the embassy comes after the two countries agreed in March to restore ties in a deal brokered by China.
* Direct flights, increased trade, and restored business ties are among the benefits of restoring diplomatic relations.
* Iranian pilgrims will be able to more easily apply for Saudi visas for hajj and umrah pilgrimages to Mecca.
* Iran’s consulate is also set to reopen in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Wider implications: This development also marks a broader realignment in the region, such as Saudi Arabia restoring ties with Syria and attempting to end its war in Yemen against Iranian-backed Houthis.
* The rapprochement has prompted discussions between Egypt and Iran to boost their diplomatic ties, mediated by Oman.
Important context: Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran were severed in 2016 after the execution of a popular Saudi Shia cleric and subsequent protests in Tehran.
* Saudi Arabia continues to carry out mass executions, which have received coverage in Iranian media and been criticized by rights groups.
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