In this Nov 15, 2021 photo, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh speaks to media during a press conference in Tehran, Iran. (PHOTO / AFP)

DUBAI – Saudi Arabia wants to resume diplomatic talks with Tehran, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told a news conference on Monday a day after Iraq's prime minister pushed for a revival of talks between the regional rivals.

Iran and Saudi Arabia, the leading Shi'ite and Sunni Muslim powers in the Middle East, severed ties in 2016, with both parties backing allies fighting proxy wars across the region, from Yemen to Syria and elsewhere.

READ MORE: Iran clearing obstacles in rapprochement with S Arabia, says official

The fifth round of talks between the regional rivals were held in April.

ALSO READ: Iran confirms talks with Saudi Arabia, promises best efforts