Saudi Arabia has urged parties to the regional conflict to seize diplomatic opportunities to resolve the crisis, following talks between Iranian officials and a delegation representing the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement countries in Tehran.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday that the visit, led by Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, was aimed at reducing tensions, advancing dialogue and supporting mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan.
It stressed the importance of opening “channels of negotiation to prevent a return to military escalation in the region” and paving the way for an agreement that would bring the crisis to an end and secure peace and stability.
The ministry also reaffirmed the “pivotal role” of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement countries in strengthening regional security and stability and working with other countries to promote peace.
The Tehran meeting brought together Prince Khalid, Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.
The officials met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior Iranian officials, including Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
The talks marked the first high-level meeting between Iran and the three countries since Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August.
The discussions came amid a wider regional conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which has spread to Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Regional security concerns include renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi territory, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the US blockade of Iranian ports.
On Monday, the Houthis claimed drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's East-West crude oil pipeline pumping stations and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the reported attacks.
Saudi Arabia said the Tehran initiative was intended to complement the mediation efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan, with the aim of resolving the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy rather than renewed military confrontation.
