Middle East Tensions Ease as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan Meet Iran

Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan held an unusual meeting with Iranian counterparts in Tehran on Monday, aiming to de-escalate regional tensions. The gathering, initiated by Pakistan, marked the first high-level talks between Iran and these three nations. Saudi Arabia was represented by Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan by Army Chief Asim Munir, and Turkey by Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei also attended.

According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the visit's purpose was to "prevent escalation." An Iranian official told Reuters that the country's nuclear program was not discussed, stating it would not be addressed until Tehran's demands for an end to the war, lifting of the US blockade, and cancellation of oil export sanctions are met. Iranian reports indicated that the main topics were regional security and "providing aid to the peoples in Palestine and Lebanon."

Pezeshkian stated, "We support any understanding that leads to the unity of Islamic nations. Iran is ready to deepen regional cooperation, resolve differences, and utilize the collective potential of Islamic nations." He added, "The nations of the region must stand together against the threats directed at them. Our region is witnessing acts of violence and atrocities committed by Israel with American support, while it accuses others of terrorism."

The meeting occurred amidst heightened regional tensions, with reports suggesting Iran has detailed plans to attack undersea cables in the Persian Gulf if attacked by the US or Israel. US forces in the Middle East are reportedly on alert for potential new military operations against Iran within 96 hours of receiving orders.

In parallel, Egypt's parliament approved defense assistance for Saudi Arabia, authorizing President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to take necessary steps to help Riyadh defend its territory and sovereignty against external aggression. While details were not disclosed, a regional source indicated Egypt would deploy air defense systems to help intercept missiles and drones, emphasizing the aid would be purely defensive and not involve ground troops.

Meanwhile, the Houthi group claimed responsibility for new attacks on pumping stations along Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, described as the primary alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, and on Riyadh's airport. These attacks come after the airport had recently resumed operations of two terminals following previous Houthi strikes.