The Iranian embassy in Saudi Arabia is scheduled to reopen tomorrow, marking the end of a seven-year closure and solidifying a rapprochement deal brokered by

China, according to a diplomatic source cited by AFP. Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 following the attack on its embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad during protests against the execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr by Riyadh. As part of the reconciliation, Iran's diplomatic mission, previously expelled by Saudi authorities, will be led by Alireza Enayati, who previously served as Iran's ambassador to Kuwait.

The reopening ceremony is planned for tomorrow at 6pm local time (1500 GMT/11pm Malaysian time) in the presence of the newly appointed Iranian ambassador to Saudi Arabia. However, Saudi Arabia has yet to confirm when it will reopen its embassy in Tehran or announce its ambassadorial nominee.

Last month, Iranian media named Enayati as the country's envoy to Saudi Arabia. He has held various diplomatic positions, including assistant to the foreign minister and director general of Gulf affairs at the Iranian foreign ministry.

The reopening of the Iranian embassy marks a significant step forward in the recent reconciliation between the two regional powers. After years of discord, Iran and Saudi Arabia signed a surprise reconciliation agreement in China on March 10. Since then, Saudi Arabia has restored ties with Syria, a key ally of Iran, and has increased efforts to promote peace in Yemen, where it has been leading a military coalition against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

The historic agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia signifies a shift in their approach to regional conflicts, as they had previously supported opposing factions. The reopening of the Iranian embassy is a tangible manifestation of the ongoing diplomatic efforts to foster stability and cooperation in the Middle East. Photo by  Tamoy Garra, Wikimedia commons.