Iran says it is hosting senior security officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey in Tehran. What the Islamic Republic calls "Israeli expansion" is on the agenda, along with developments in areas bordering Lebanon. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said it makes no difference to Tehran who leads Israel. In his view, the Jewish state has brought the region only violence and killing throughout its existence.
Baghaei described the gathering as a possible first step toward stronger regional security built on cooperation among the region's own countries. He said the talks will also cover events in what Tehran calls "occupied Palestine" and the consequences for regional security of what Iran describes as American aggression against it.
The meeting is taking place on Monday, one day before Israelis vote. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Iran and its proxies against using attacks to disrupt the election. "Do not test us; you will suffer blows of disproportionate magnitude, far more severe than you can imagine," Netanyahu said.
The delegation is high-ranking. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman landed in Tehran on Monday. Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin are also taking part. Munir has visited Iran recently. Arab News reported that the visitors are scheduled to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Mohsen Rezaei, whom the outlet identified as Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council. The report cited Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Dr. Rayed Krimly, who said Riyadh sees the trip as part of the Mecca pact members' push to calm the situation and promote dialogue and diplomatic solutions.
