Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan held talks with Iran to prevent renewed Middle East conflict, with Tehran describing the discussions as 'very good'. The meeting, the first joint visit since the Mecca pact's formation in August, aimed to de-escalate tensions amid warnings of potential war.
The talks, led by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, included Pakistan's army chief and Turkey's intelligence chief. Iran's security chief emphasized the need for regional self-reliance in security, rejecting foreign intervention. The meeting followed recent attacks on Saudi infrastructure by Iran-backed Houthis and heightened tensions ahead of key US elections.
The talks come as regional tensions rise, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning of the risks of escalation. Oman's foreign minister called for a non-aggression pact involving Gulf states, Iran, and Iraq, challenging the US's role in regional security. The discussions highlight the need for regional cooperation to address security challenges without external interference.