1st Iran-Saudi discussions, following January 2016 break in relations, could be in September
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Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has pointed to a thaw in relations with Saudi Arabia, saying that there may be an exchange of diplomatic visits in September.
Zarif (pictured) said the visits can take place after the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca: “The visas have been issued for both sides to make this trip. We are waiting for the final steps to be completed so diplomats from the two countries can inspect their embassies and consulates.”
The Islamic State and Saudi Arabia have been long-time rivals for influence in the Middle East, but tensions have reaching breaking point since 446 Iranian pilgrims were among the thousands killed in a crush in Mina, near Mecca, in September 2015. Three months later, the Saudis cut relations after a crowd, responding to Riyadh’s execution of a prominent Shia cleric, burned the Saudi embassy in Tehran.
The two sides are on opposite sides of a series of crises, including the Syrian conflict and Saudi Arabia’s intervention in the Yemeni civil war. Riyadh is also responding to the extensive Iranian influence in Iraq with efforts to build relations with the Iraqi Government and key factions, such as that of Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
On Wednesday, Qatar — which has been blockaded by Saudi Arabia and Riyadh’s allies since early June — announced that it is re-opening its embassy in Tehran.
While holding out the possibility of discussions to ease tensions, Zarif made clear in his interview with the Iranian Students News Agency that fault lay with the Saudis:
Iran has always wanted to have good relations with its neighbors, but we believe that Riyadh’s policies in the region are destructive and even to the detriment of itself….
We have always emphasized that we are ready to dialogue with Saudi Arabia to resolve the crises in the region, whereas Riyadh unfortunately did not do this and sees its interests in creating tension in the region.
Citing US Sanctions, Apple Blocks Local Apps
Apple has moved to shut down Iranian apps on its iPhones, saying that they are not permitted under US sanctions.
On Thursday, Apple removed Snapp, a ride-hailing service similar to Uber, from its app stores. The company has also pulled apps for food delivery, shopping and other services.
Apple said in a message to Iranian app developers, “Under the U.S. sanctions regulations, the App Store cannot host, distribute or do business with apps or developers connected to certain U.S. embargoed countries.”
Iran’s new Communications Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi complained on Twitter:
11% of the cellphone market in Iran belongs to Apple. Respecting customer rights is a principle today that Apple hasn’t abided by. We will legally pursue the omission of apps.
