The former head of the Office for the Protection of the Islamic Republic’s interest in Egypt analyzed the issue of Iraqi mediation in Iran-Saudi relations in order to reduce Saudi pressure on the Iraqi government.
In an interview with the "Rouydad" program, Mojtaba Amani referred to the mediation of the Iraqis in the relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia and said; “Several talks have taken place on Iraqi soil and the Iraqis are somehow seeking the outcome of the negotiations.”
“This creates a situation for Iraq, and apparently Saudi Arabia put pressure on Iraq because of this country’s special relations with Iran, and therefore the Iraqis are trying to bring the views of the two countries closer.”
He continued; “Some Iraqi officials’ remarks indicate that they’re not happy with the 'turning away of the Saudis from the positive steps of Iraq for mediation.'”
“Saudi Arabia is hoping for some changes to take place in the region, the most important of which is to increase the US role in the region and a possible victory in the war with Yemen,” Amani said.
“These two views led the Saudis to be content with the region's internal mechanism for resolving problems. On the other hand, the United States displayed little willingness to interfere in these matters and is even seeking to change the approach of its forces in Iraq.”
“As long as Saudi Arabia has such hope, there does not seem to be a significant change between the two countries and Iraqi efforts will not lead to significant results,” he added.
“Iraqis are proceeding to their efforts, and these developments will result in either continuity or a reduction in US involvement in the region, and these are the most influential issues in the Iran-Saudi relationship,” stated Amani in his brief phone call interview with Radio Goftgoo.
By Azadeh Khajeh Nasiri
