Saudi, Pakistani and Turkish Delegations Meet Iranian Officials in Tehran to Avert Renewed War

High-level delegations from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey were in Tehran on Monday, Oct. 26, to try to head off renewed fighting between Iran and Israel and the United States, according to reports citing Iran's Foreign Ministry and regional officials. Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, Pakistani army chief Asim Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin were to meet Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, and other officials. Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, told state television the four-party meeting could be a step toward lasting regional security. He said it was proposed during Munir's Tehran visit last week. Two regional officials, speaking anonymously, said the Yemen war and Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia were also on the agenda. Saudi Arabia said the delegations hoped to find ways to de-escalate tensions. War has gripped the region since February, when the US and Israel launched surprise attacks on Iran during nuclear talks; an April ceasefire ended the initial phase. Worry about renewed fighting is growing ahead of Israel's election on Tuesday and the Nov. 3 US midterms.

Left-leaning outlets tracked by Crosswire had not reported this story at the time of writing, while alternative/independent and right-leaning outlets had. Right-leaning coverage consists of the New York Post, running the wire text, and Newsmax. The Post stresses Iranians preparing for possible all-out war, Israeli and American leaders sharpening threats before their elections, and Iranian leaders staying defiant. It relies on anonymous regional officials and adds the Yemen and Houthi agenda. Newsmax's headline highlights growing war fears, and only its opening lines were available. The alternative side differs somewhat. AP attributes the visit to Iran's Foreign Ministry. The Hindu quotes Bagheri Kani, says no date was given for the meeting, and gives the February war background.