Former Iranian president Ahmadinejad writes to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has written a letter to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in an attempt to mediate the Yemen war, Iranian media reported.

An unnamed "informed source" told Rouydad 24 that Mr Ahmadinejad wants to play a role in ending the conflict, and also wrote to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the leaders of the rebel Houthi militia.

There has been speculation in recent months that the former president is planning a return to politics and a run in the 2021 presidential elections. However, his poor relationship with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is likely to be an obstacle.

The letter was filled with flattery and praise, The New York Times – who obtained a copy of the letter from Mr Ahmadinejad’s office – reported, portraying the crown prince as a man of peace.

“I know that your excellency is not happy about the current situation of innocent people dying and getting injured every day and infrastructure being damaged,” the letter reportedly said.

“You are upset that regional resources belonging to the people are used for destruction instead of developing peace and prosperity. For these reasons you will welcome a just peace.”

Iran, which backs the Houthi militia in Yemen, and Saudi Arabia, which leads the coalition to restore the legitimate government, have been bitter rivals for decades.

The tensions are exacerbated by religious differences, with Iran being majority Shia and Saudi Arabia majority Sunni and the custodian of Islam's holiest sites, Makkah and Madinah.