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Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey are set to travel to Tehran for talks with Iranian security and political leaders, according to Ali Bakiri, Deputy Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. The visit involves members of the so-called Mecca Alliance.

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister for Public Diplomacy Raed Krimly confirmed the trip, saying it forms part of efforts to lower tensions in the ongoing crisis between the United States and Iran and to back mediation initiatives led by Qatar and Pakistan.

Expected participants and agenda

Bakiri told Iranian television that, as part of implementing a regional security concept in West Asia, high-level officials from Mecca Alliance members Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey would visit Tehran. Bakiri said Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan's Chief of General Staff Asim Munir and a senior Turkish official would attend the meeting in Tehran and hold talks with Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

Regional security matters would be discussed at the meeting, Bakiri said, adding that Iran opposes the intervention and influence of foreign powers in the region. Bakiri gave no date for the talks, while Iranian media reported that they would take place today.

Saudi Arabia confirms the visit

Krimly confirmed the visit in a post on the US-based social media platform X, saying the officials from the Mecca Alliance countries would also meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in addition to Rezaei.

According to Krimly, the trip forms part of the alliance's efforts to reduce tensions and encourage dialogue and diplomatic solutions in the ongoing crisis between the US and Iran, as well as its support for mediation initiatives carried out by Qatar and Pakistan.

Aims of the contacts

Krimly said the contacts show the central role of the Mecca Alliance countries in strengthening regional security and stability, and their determination to work with all countries in the region toward that goal.

Key takeaways

• Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey are to visit Tehran, according to Ali Bakiri of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
• Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan Chief of General Staff Asim Munir and a senior Turkish official are expected to meet Mohsen Rezaei and President Masoud Pezeshkian.
• Regional security issues are on the agenda, and Bakiri said Iran opposes foreign powers' intervention and influence in the region.
• Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Raed Krimly said the visit supports de-escalation efforts and mediation by Qatar and Pakistan.