(Reuters] – The rival regional powers Iran and Saudi Arabia have resumed talks in Iraq’s capital following their suspension in March. Iran’s semi-official Nour News reported Saturday.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq have not confirmed the restart of negotiations.

“The latest positive meeting has raised hopes for the two countries to take steps toward the resumption of ties,” said Nour News, which is affiliated with the country’s Supreme National Security Council. The fifth round of negotiations was not mentioned by the government.

After Iranian protesters stormed Saudi Embassy in Tehran, Riyadh cut all ties to Tehran in 2016.

Iran has suspended talks with Iran in March, without providing any explanation. This decision came at a time when a new round was to begin. This was after Saudi Arabia executed an unprecedented 81-man mass execution. Tehran condemns the executions of 41 Shi’ite Muslims, which activists claimed were being carried out by Saudi Arabia.

To try and contain the proxy conflict between Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia (predominantly) and Shi’ite Iran (predominantly Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia), direct negotiations were initiated last year.

    Saudi Arabia and Iran have backed opposing sides in regional conflicts and political disputes in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq for years, and Saudi Arabia has led an Arab coalition waging war against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen since 2015.