Iran talks with Mecca pact states may be ‘last chance’ before military action

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1. 58m ago

   Mecca Pact Nations Hold High-Level Talks With Iran

   Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan traveled to Tehran for high-level diplomatic talks with Iran to prevent a renewed Middle East war. The meetings represent the first direct contact between Iran and the Mecca alliance countries following an escalation of Houthi attacks targeting Saudi territory. Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei described the discussions as very good, stating that regional security must be handled internally to prevent foreign intervention. Meanwhile, Qatari mediators are working in Tehran to push for a wider deal as the threat of renewed United States military action looms.

   Why it matters

   The diplomatic push comes amid mounting fears of a regional conflagration and threats of renewed conflict involving the United States. Observers suggest these negotiations may serve as a final opportunity for diplomacy before a collective military response. The diplomatic flurry also exposes divisions among Iranian hardliners regarding ongoing discussions with Washington and issues concerning Yemen.

   What is confirmed

   • Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan held talks in Iran on Monday aimed at preventing renewed fighting in the Middle East.
   • Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei stated that security in the region should be achieved by the countries themselves and that foreign intervention must be prevented.
   • The discussions in Tehran mark the first high-level contact between Iran and Mecca alliance countries since Houthi forces escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia.
   • Qatari mediators have returned to Tehran to push for a United States-Iran deal under the shadow of threats to resume attacks.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Talks involving Saudi Arabia and its defense partners in Tehran may offer a final diplomatic opportunity before a collective military response.

   What to watch next

   • Any formal agreements or joint statements resulting from the Tehran defense talks
   • Developments in Qatari-led mediation efforts for a United States-Iran deal
   • Further reactions from Iranian hardliners regarding Yemen policy and negotiations with Washington
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. Al Jazeera — Iran war live: Saudi, Pakistani and Turkish defence officials due in Tehran
   2. The New York Times — Flurry of Diplomacy in Iran as Threat of Renewed Regional War Looms
   3. CNN — Iran hosts Saudi Arabia and regional powers as fears grow of return to war
   4. www.france24.com — Mecca pact nations hold talks with Iran to prevent renewed Middle East war - France 24
   5. www.channelnewsasia.com — Iran holds 'very good' talks with Mecca pact nations on region's security - CNA
   6. transcripts.cnn.com — Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva Wins Historic Fourth Term, Beating Flavio Bolsonaro; Student-Led Movement Topples Longtime Ruling Party ....
   7. Iran International — Iran talks with Mecca pact states may be ‘last chance’ before military action
   8. www.iranintl.com — Iran talks with Mecca pact states may be ‘last chance’ before military action
   9. www.france24.com — Mecca pact countries in Iran in bid to stop war restarting
   10. Iran International — Tehran summit divides Iranian hardliners over Yemen and US talks
   11. Amwaj.media — Inside story: Will rare gathering in Tehran help avert Iran-US war?
   12. www.aljazeera.com — Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan agree to continue ...
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