The Iranian news website Nournews, considered to be close to the country's Supreme National Security Council, said a fifth round of talks was held in Baghdad. Ranking security officials from both sides as well as Iraqi and Omani officials, participated it said. It was not immediately clear when the talks took place. The fourth round took place in September.

Nournews reported a positive atmosphere permeated the talks increasing hopes for ``steps on the path of resumption of ties'' between the two nations, including a joint meeting of foreign ministers. Nournews also published a photo of two Iranian and Saudi officials standing at the side of Iraqi premier Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

Iraq borders both Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Iran, the largest Shia Muslim country in the world, and Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties in 2016.

The Baghdad-mediated talks between the regional foes began quietly in Iraq's capital last year as Saudi Arabia sought a way to end the war against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.