The New York Times: The Saudi intelligence chief begins secret talks with a senior Iranian security official in Baghdad

The ” New York Times” (The New York Times) quoted Iraqi and Iranian officials as saying that the head of Saudi intelligence last month began secret talks with a high-ranking Iranian security official in Baghdad.

The American newspaper reported that the talks came to discuss several controversial issues, including the war in Yemen and Iran-backed militias in Iraq. Read also Behind the news – news of Iranian-Saudi talks … What will they discuss and why now?An Iranian call for dialogue with the Gulf states … What are the opportunities and conditions?Iran welcomes dialogue with Saudi Arabia .. Why now?

The newspaper stated, citing an advisor in the Iranian government, that the talks that took place on April 9 last brought together Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan, head of Saudi intelligence, and Saeed Irvani, deputy secretary of the Supreme Council for Iranian National Security.

The newspaper said that the officials agreed to hold more talks in Baghdad this May, and that it was likely to be among the ambassadors.

Later, the New York Times said that the Saudi government issued a comment on the report, which it published regarding secret Saudi-Iranian talks.

In response to the request for comment, the Saudi government said in a statement to the newspaper that it would seize any opportunity to promote peace and stability in the region, provided Iran shows goodwill and stops its malicious activities, according to the statement, which did not confirm or deny the talks reported by the newspaper.

While there was no official comment from Tehran or Baghdad on what the newspaper reported regarding the talks or the statement that the latter quoted from the Saudi government.

On April 18, the British Financial Times newspaper said that high-ranking officials from Saudi Arabia and Iran held direct talks in an attempt to repair relations after 4 years of severing diplomatic ties. However, a Saudi official immediately denied to the newspaper any action. Any talks between the two sides, before Riyadh and Tehran give indications that such talks could take place without official confirmation.