Diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia after Iranian protesters attacked the headquarters of Saudi diplomatic missions, to protest against Riyadh's execution of a Shiite Muslim cleric.
The relations between Iran and Saudi Arabiahave been strained for a long time as the two countries supported opposing sides in a number of conflicts in the region.
Iran backed President Bashar Assad's government in Syria, while Saudi Arabia sided with the rebels. Saudi Arabia backed the internationally recognised government in Yemen, while Iran supported the Houthis.
In Lebanon, Riyadh sided with Sunni Muslim politicians, while Tehran backed the Shiite militia Hezbollah.
Despite many differences,there were many factors that pushed Iran and Saudi Arabia to normalise relations, such as the need to strengthen economic cooperation, the desire to reduce tensions in the region, or concerns about the increasing threat from the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS).
The reopening of Iran's embassy in Riyadhis seen as an important step in both Iran and Saudi Arabia's continued efforts in recent years to normalise relations.
The agreement to restore diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia was reached on March 10 after negotiations in China. Prior to that, both sides had been involved in negotiations brokered by Iraq and Oman for several years.
The reopening of embassies is often a necessary first step in the process of normalising relations among the countries. This will help to resume direct communication, pave the way for flights, and promote further negotiations on trade, security and regional cooperation.
Iran's state media reported that Tehran had appointed Alireza Enayati, a veteran diplomat with extensive experience in Gulf affairs, as its new ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Enayati served as Tehran's Ambassador to Kuwait from 2014 to 2019.
The reopening of embassies is also a positive step for the whole region helping to reduce tensions and promote stability in a region that has been plagued by conflict forpast years.
The Iranian embassy reopened in Riyadh on the same day when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia to ease strained relations in the region.
The positive atmosphere from the "new chapter" of cooperation between Riyadh and Tehran spurred discussions on the resumption of relations between Egypt and Iran.
During the Sultan of Oman's visit to Iran at the end of May, Iran's supreme leader affirmed that he welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations with Egypt.
The international community expects that the agreement reached between Saudi Arabia and Iran will be part of the process of reshaping relations in the region, especially Riyadh's decision to restore relations with the government of President Bashar al-Assadand steps towards ending the long war in Yemen.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Bikdeli stressed that diplomatic messagesare the best means of communication and dialogue among the countries to achieve common understanding, stability and peace.
Iranian officials affirmed that Iran is always ready to strengthen relations with neighbouring countries and the promotion of economic cooperation and investment will bring countries closer together.
However, the reopening of embassies does not mean that all issues between Iran and Saudi Arabia have been resolved. The agreement to normalise relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia is a positive step, but only the beginning of a new process. It will take time and efforts for the two countries to overcome their differences and strengthen trust.
