Zarif made the assertion at a late Wednesday press conference in Pakistani capital Islamabad, where he is currently on an official visit.

In response to reporters’ questions regarding recent reports that Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir had been in contact with Iranian officials, Zarif said: “According to my information, there has been no such contact; the Saudi government has not made any contact.”

Riyadh, he went on to say, “needs to reconsider its regional policies -- then Iran will be ready [for talks]”.

According to Anadolu news agency he added: “We want good relations with our neighbors... Our neighbors have not benefited by creating tension with Iran.”

Reporter’s code: 50101