Iran reports ‘good progress’ on talks with Saudi Arabia, says more work needed

Iran reported “good progress” on Tuesday in talks with regional rival Saudi Arabia but said some of their disputes are complex and may take time to resolve.

Saudi Arabia and Gulf allies continue to pressure Iran, which backs the opposite side in conflicts in the region, over its nuclear program, which Tehran says is entirely peaceful, its ballistic missiles, and its support for militant groups.

For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

Iran has criticized the Gulf Arab states’ close ties with Tehran’s long-term foe Washington and moves by some of them to normalize relations with Israel, a country that Iran - which supports the Palestinians - does not recognize.

“Good progress has been achieved in these talks ... In some cases, disputes may have complexities that take time to resolve,” Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei told a news conference carried by state media.

In a bid to contain tensions between them, Saudi Arabia and Iran began direct talks in April.

Read more:

Saudi Arabia’s FM and IAEA chief discuss Iran’s nuclear program

GCC says Iran missile program should be addressed in nuclear talks

Saudi official confirms talks with Iran, says too early to assess outcome