Iran, Saudi Arabia resume flights after 9-year hiatus

ISTANBUL 

Iran and Saudi Arabia resumed flights on Tuesday after a suspension of nine years.

Iranian news agency ISNA said a flight operated by Iran Air flew from the northeastern city of Mashhad to Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia.

The broadcaster said that both countries agreed to fly two weekly flights between Mashhad and Dammam.

Dammam, the capital of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, is home to a significant Shia Muslim minority.

In September 2023, diplomatic representation between Saudi Arabia and Iran was restored after an eight-year hiatus. It followed a mutual agreement in March 2023, facilitated by China, to resume diplomatic relations.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar