Iran hails Iraqi mediation with Gulf states Top Story April 21, 2021 DUBAI: Iran said on Tuesday it welcomes Iraqi mediation to help mend its ties with Gulf Arab states, following reports that Saudi and Iranian officials had held discussions in Iraq. The remarks by the Iranian ambassador to Baghdad came a day after Iran’s foreign ministry said that Tehran always welcomed dialogue with its arch-rival Saudi Arabia, without confirming that talks had been held. The two countries severed diplomatic ties in 2016 and have been engaged in several proxy wars in the region as they vie for influence, reported a British wire service.