Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey are expected to hold security talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran on Monday, amid fears of renewed US-Israeli strikes on Iran and escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The Deputy Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Bagheri Kani, announced that Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, Pakistani army chief General Asim Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin would visit Tehran.
The talks will bring together representatives of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement and Iranian officials, with discussions expected to focus on Israel's expansionist policies, the situation in Lebanon and the ongoing US war against Iran, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei.
Speaking to Iranian state TV, Bagheri Kani said the meeting formed part of efforts to establish a regional security framework led by Middle Eastern countries rather than external powers.
He said it was happening because of Iran's resistance to US-Israeli military attacks and expressed hope that the discussions would contribute to greater regional stability.
He added that the Mecca Defence Agreement countries could draw on Iran's experience in developing its national defence capabilities to establish a regional security system independent of foreign intervention.
Bagheri Kani also accused the United States and Israel of undermining regional stability, saying Israel's actions in the Middle East were a threat to the security of neighbouring countries.
Saudi Arabia says talks aim to reduce tensions
Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Raed Krimly said in a post on X that Khalid bin Salman would lead the kingdom's delegation to the meetings in Tehran.
He said representatives of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement would also meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei.
Krimly described the visit as part of continuing diplomatic efforts by the agreement's member states to reduce tensions between the US and Iran.
He added that the discussions would seek to encourage dialogue and diplomatic solutions while supporting mediation efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia also emphasised the role of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement countries in promoting regional security and stability through cooperation with other states in the Middle East.
Qatar steps up mediation amid fears of renewed war
The planned meeting comes amid growing concerns that the United States and Israel could launch another round of military strikes against Iran, potentially triggering a wider regional confrontation.
Fighting has also intensified between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement, amid continued missile strikes on the kingdom.
A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Sunday evening as part of Doha's efforts to prevent a further escalation between Washington and Tehran, a source familiar with the regional mediation efforts told The New Arab.
The source said the visit was intended to build on ongoing diplomatic contacts aimed at preventing the conflict from worsening.
Iran had already communicated its positions and demands clearly to the mediators, the source added.
Qatar and Pakistan have been involved in efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States throughout the current conflict.
Iran warns against another military confrontation
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Sunday against renewed US military action, saying Tehran would maintain its policies regardless of whether another war broke out.
Araghchi said that although there was growing discussion of another conflict, he was already considering what would happen after it ended.
He argued that previous military confrontations had demonstrated the consequences of attempting to resolve disputes with Iran through force.
The foreign minister also reiterated Tehran's position that lasting regional security could only be achieved through cooperation between neighbouring countries without foreign interference.
He stressed that Iran remained prepared to work with all countries in the region, particularly Gulf states, to establish a more stable security environment.