FM says Iran ready for closer ties with rival Saudi Arabia

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says his country is ready for closer ties with its regional rival Saudi Arabia

DAMASCUS, Syria -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said his country is ready for closer ties with its regional rival Saudi Arabia, saying Wednesday he hoped recent talks would lead to greater stability in the region. Zarif was speaking in Damascus after a meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad. On Monday, Iran's foreign ministry confirmed the talks, mediated by Iraq and hosted in Baghdad. Zarif said he hoped the talks would “come to fruition” and lead to cooperation between the two rivals to bring more stability and peace to the region, particularly in Yemen. “We certainly are ready and have always been ready for close ties with Saudi Arabia,” Zarif told reporters in English.