A local tabloid on Wednesday claimed that former prime minister Imran Khan had somehow played a role for brining two gulf rivals to the table for resolving their longstanding issues and restoring diplomatic ties.
According to the Republic Policy, a significant shift in the diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia has been taking place, which was unthinkable just three years ago.
https://republicpolicy.com/imran-khans-diplomatic-efforts-bring-iran-and-saudi-arabia-to-the-table/
“It is surprising that King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has been invited to Tehran, and President Ebrahim Raisi has graciously accepted the invitation from Riyadh,” it said citing its exclusive report disclosing the individuals who contributed to bringing the two rival nations together in the pursuit of peace, thereby promoting regional stability.
“Former Prime Minister Imran Khan claims that he played a crucial role in laying the foundation for peace during his back-to-back visits to Tehran and Riyadh, and part of his claim is true,” the report said recalling visits of Imran Khan to both the countries as part of his mediation efforts, which Iranian President Hassan Rouhani acknowledged.
It quoted a senior diplomat, who requested anonymity, as saying “Saudi Arabia initially rejected mediation efforts.”
“The situation was so tense that two years before Imran Khan’s visit to both capitals,” it said, adding Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS) categorically dismissed the possibility of direct dialogue with Iran at the time.
“MBS provided a compelling reason, possibly referring to the 1979 Islamic revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini,” it said citing his interview with MBC television in which he stated, “How can you have a dialogue with a regime built on an extremist ideology that aims to control the land of Muslims and spread its sect in the Muslim world?”
