Iran open to talks with Saudi in atmosphere of respect, understanding-Fars

FILE PHOTO: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi meets with Qatar's Foreign Minister (not pictured) in Tehran, Iran, January 27, 2022. Iranian Presidency Office/Handout via REUTERS

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran is ready for more talks with Saudi Arabia if Riyadh is willing to hold the talks in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect, the semi-official news agency Fars quoted Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi as saying on Saturday.

"Iran is ready to continue these negotiations until reaching an outcome, provided that the Saudis are willing to continue the negotiations in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect," Fars quoted Raisi as saying in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

Baghdad has hosted several rounds of talks between Tehran and Riyadh, who are regional rivals.

(Reporting by Dubai newsroom, Editing by Timothy Heritage)