Iran and Saudi Arabia Reestablish Diplomatic Ties with Embassy Reopening.

Iran has reopened its embassy in Saudi Arabia, seven years after the two countries cut off diplomatic ties. The move marks another milestone toward restoring ties and lowering tensions between the powerful Gulf neighbors. The reopened embassy could ease travel between the countries as they work to resume direct flights, increase trade, and restore business ties. Although Saudi Arabia has not yet reopened its embassy in Tehran, Iranian pilgrims will be able to apply more easily for Saudi visas for the hajj pilgrimage and the smaller umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, once ties are fully restored.