Iraq to host another round of Iran-Saudi Arabia talks: Ministry

Iraqwillhostanotherroundoftalksbetween regional foesIranandSaudiArabiaon Wednesday, the foreignministryin Baghdad said on Saturday, without giving further details.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein revealed the development during remarks at a diplomatic forum in Antalya on Turkey's southern coast cited by local media. A foreignministryspokesman confirmed the comments to Reuters.

Thetalkswill be the fourthroundhosted by Baghdad between officials from its two neighbours and mutual adversaries, according to local media.

TheSaudiforeignministrydid not respond to request for comment.

Diplomats hope the opening of direct channels betweenIranandSaudiArabiawill signal an easing of tensions across the Middle East after years ofhostilities that have brought the region close to a full-scale conflict.

Talksto revive the 2015Irannuclear deal on Friday faced the prospect of collapse after a last-minute Russian demand forced world powers to pause negotiations for an undetermined time despite having a largely completed text.

Negotiators have reached the final stages of 11 months of discussions to restore the deal, which lifted sanctions onIranin return for curbs on its nuclear programme, long seen by the West as a cover for developing atomic bombs.