Iran, Saudis hold talks in Baghdad, few expect quick results

The hosting of Saudi-Iran talks is also a significant step for Iraq, which has ties with both the U.S. and Iran and has often borne the brunt of Saudi-Iran rivalry.

A first round of direct talks between regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran signaled a possible de-escalation following years of animosity that often spilled into neighboring countries and at least one still-raging war. But few expect quick results. The talks, hosted by Iraq earlier this month, were confirmed on Tuesday to The Associated Press by an Iraqi and a Western official in Baghdad.