MIDEAST GULF Iran Sweet Talks Neighbors, Saudis Still Wary

摘要

One perception is that the Mideast Gulf Arab states, angered by Tehran's meddling in Arab countries and fearful of the prospect of a nuclear-armed neighbor, deeply oppose Iran's reintegration into the global community and are alarmed by warming relations between Tehran and Washington (p1). Yet Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Zarif was welcomed in four Gulf states this week: Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. "All expressed their willingness to expand ties with Iran," Zarif wrote on his Facebook page, Calling his Gulf swing a "great trip." He even extended an olive branch to Saudi Arabia. At Opec in Vienna this week, the Saudi and Iranian oil ministers greeted each other "with hugs and kisses." What's to be made of the public embrace among historic rivals?