Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, and Iran met in Tehran on Monday to discuss de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. The talks, part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, aim to address the ongoing conflict involving Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and broader regional security concerns. The delegation included Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.
The meeting comes amid heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, following warnings from the United States, Iran, and Israel about potential hostilities. The Saudi foreign ministry stated the talks were intended to “de-escalate between the parties to the current crisis.” The group also includes representatives from the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, a regional security pact.
The discussions were part of a broader initiative to prevent the conflict from reigniting. Egypt has also expressed support for Saudi Arabia, with its parliament authorizing military assistance to help defend against Houthi attacks. The meeting in Tehran follows previous attempts by the four nations to find a peaceful resolution.
The talks reflect growing regional cooperation to address security challenges. Iran’s security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, has called for continued collaboration among the four nations to stabilize the region. The meeting underscores the complexity of the situation, with multiple actors seeking to avoid further escalation.
