Malé, Maldives – Government of Maldives has decided to resume diplomatic ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In a statement released by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, government stated that it welcomes the agreement reached between Saudi Arabia and Iran that includes an agreement to resume diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia and Iran decided to reconcile after talks mediated by China, reaffirming the principle of respect for the sovereignty of countries and non-interference in their internal affairs.
The agreement also includes the reopening of their embassies and missions.
Maldives severed political relations with Iran on May 17, 2016 during the rule of former President Abdullah Yameen. Iran was accused of undermining peace and stability in the Middle East. In January of that year, Saudi Arabia severed ties with Iran.
On June 5, 2017, Maldives also severed political relations with Qatar. However, on January 6, 2021, the government decided to re-establish relations with Qatar.
Riyadh severed ties with Tehran in 2016 after Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in the Iranian capital following the execution of a Shi’ite cleric in Saudi Arabia. Since then, they have fought a proxy war that has embroiled a number of neighboring countries, bringing the region ever closer to war.
In Yemen, the two countries have supported opposite sides of a civil war that has been described by the United Nations as one the world’s worst humanitarian crises. From there, the Houthi rebels have fired missiles at both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, targeting oil infrastructure that is vital to their economies.
