Iran calls security talks a step toward peace

Iran described a Monday meeting in Tehran with security officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey as a move toward dialogue and peace. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted comments on social media stating that regional countries should be responsible for their own security. He argued that this responsibility should exist without the military presence of extra-regional powers. Araghchi did not provide specific details about the content of the discussions.

The talks took place as speculation grew about a return to all-out war. Saudi Arabia continues to face repeated attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The current conflict began on Feb. 28. During that war, Iran said it targeted U.S. facilities and interests in the region. Gulf Arab nations countered that Iran also struck civilian facilities and infrastructure.

In a separate diplomatic effort, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held telephone calls with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Abdelatty discussed political solutions to contain the crisis. He spoke with Saudi Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These talks are part of Cairo’s effort to de-escalate tensions in the region.

Egypt recently pledged military support to Saudi Arabia to defend the kingdom against Houthi attacks. The country’s highest security body made the decision this month. Lawmakers approved the move earlier this week in a closed-door vote. Egypt’s president stated that the military support will be strictly defensive.

The sequence of events began with the war starting on Feb. 28. Iran attacked neighboring Gulf states, claiming U.S. targets as its objective. Gulf countries reported damage to civilian infrastructure. On Monday, security officials from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey met in Tehran. Araghchi hailed the meeting on Wednesday. On the same day, Egyptian, Saudi, and Emirati foreign ministers spoke by phone. Egypt’s legislative body approved military aid for Saudi Arabia earlier this week.