Iranian foreign minister visits Saudi Arabia ahead of nuclear talks with US


Nada AlTaher
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Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Jeddah on Saturday, a day before the fourth round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran are set to be held.

He met there his counterpart Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Iran's state media announced.

Mr Araghchi will also travel to Qatar in the evening for an Arab-Iranian conference, Iran's state media reported.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said discussions with Gulf officials will involve the latest on the nuclear talks with the US.

"We believe that the sustainability of any possible agreement depends to a large extent on taking into account the considerations and concerns of the countries of the region in the nuclear field and the common interests of Iran and them," said Mr Araghchi in a video carried by local media.

The negotiations so far have been "positive", both sides have said.

The US pulled out of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) three years later. US President Donald Trump gave Iran two months to reach an agreement or risk military action.

Mr Araghchi's visit also comes a few days days ahead of Mr Trump's first visit to the region, where he will make stops in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Saudi Arabia's King Salman has invited leaders of the Gulf Co-operation Council to attend a Gulf-US summit in Riyadh during Mr Trump’s trip, according to sources.

The US is believed to change its stance on how to refer to the "Arabian Gulf", which it currently calls the "Persian Gulf".

Iran strongly opposed the suggestion and Mr Araghchi said an attempt to change the name would reflect "hostile intent towards Iran and its people".

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Coffee: black death or elixir of life?

It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?

Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.

The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.

The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.

Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver. 

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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

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1921

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Results

57kg quarter-finals

Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Hamed Al Matari (YEM) by points 3-0.

60kg quarter-finals

Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) beat Hyan Aljmyah (SYR) RSC round 2.

63.5kg quarter-finals

Nouredine Samir (UAE) beat Shamlan A Othman (KUW) by points 3-0.

67kg quarter-finals

Mohammed Mardi (UAE) beat Ahmad Ondash (LBN) by points 2-1.

71kg quarter-finals

Ahmad Bahman (UAE) defeated Lalthasanga Lelhchhun (IND) by points 3-0.

Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Seyed Kaveh Safakhaneh (IRI) by points 3-0.

81kg quarter-finals

Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Ahmad Hilal (PLE) by points 3-0

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

Updated: May 10, 2025, 1:15 PM