Iranian chief says Gulf talks mark start of regional peace process

Iran’s foreign minister declared that a Monday security summit in Tehran serves as a foundation for ongoing dialogue and peace in the Middle East. Abbas Araghchi made the assessment in social media posts released on Wednesday. The gathering included high-level officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. Araghchi argued that these nations should control their own defense without the military presence of extra-regional powers. He did not provide specific details about the agenda or outcomes of the session.

The diplomatic activity occurs while observers anticipate a potential return to full-scale war. Saudi Arabia continues to face recurring strikes from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Since the conflict began on Feb. 28, Iranian forces have launched attacks on neighboring Gulf Arab states. Tehran stated that its targets were U.S. facilities and interests in the area. Gulf neighbors countered that Iranian strikes also hit civilian facilities and infrastructure.

In a separate track, Egyptian leaders are working to reduce regional tensions. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held telephone discussions with Saudi and Emirati counterparts. The ministry stated that the calls focused on political solutions to the current crisis. Abdelatty spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Cairo recently committed military assets to aid Saudi Arabia against the Houthi threat. Egypt’s highest security body approved the measure this month. Lawmakers then endorsed the plan in a closed-door vote earlier this week. The Egyptian president specified that the support will remain strictly defensive in nature. This pledge adds a new layer to the diplomatic and military calculations in the region.

The developments show a dual approach to the conflict. Iran positions the recent Tehran meeting as a bridge toward cooperation among regional heavyweights. Egypt, meanwhile, pairs diplomatic calls with a concrete military commitment to its Gulf partner. Both actions take place as the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia persist and the risk of wider engagement grows.