Delegations Meet Iran Amid Rising Regional Tensions

High-level delegations from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey were in Tehran on Monday for meetings with Iranian authorities, aiming to avert renewed fighting between Iran and Israel, as well as the United States. The discussions come as Iran prepares for possible escalations, with Israeli and American leaders sharpening threats ahead of upcoming elections in both countries.

The Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Ibrahim Kalin, head of Turkey’s intelligence service, were scheduled to meet with Iran’s top security officials. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to reporters, stated that the talks also covered the war in Yemen and strikes by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia.

A Saudi statement indicated that the delegations hoped to find "ways to de-escalate tensions, enhance regional security and promote its stability." Qatari mediators were also in Tehran on Sunday, coordinating with the U.S. in efforts to reduce regional tensions.

In June, Pakistan and Qatar helped broker an agreement for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, end a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, and open negotiations on its nuclear program. However, that deal quickly unraveled as both sides renewed attacks.

With elections approaching in Israel on Tuesday and in the U.S. on November 3, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, stated over the weekend that diplomacy remained an option, with messages being relayed to the U.S. through intermediaries. Baghaei also noted that the U.S. appeared to be maintaining unilateral demands and that President Trump and U.S. officials repeatedly used the phrase “complete surrender,” which he asserted no Iranian accepts.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his warning that Iran or its proxies might launch attacks before the close elections to disrupt the vote, citing intelligence. "The (military) is ready both to defend and to strike," Netanyahu said in a video statement. "You will suffer disproportionate blows far greater than you can imagine."

Israel’s Channel 12 reported Sunday night that Netanyahu and his military chief of staff had a disagreement over an instruction from Netanyahu to carry out an "action" that the army believed could quickly reignite conflict with Iran. Netanyahu, however, dismissed the report as "nonsense" during an appearance on another broadcaster, Channel 14. The military had no immediate comment.

The conflict in Yemen has expanded, with Houthi rebels increasingly targeting Saudi Arabia due to its support for the internationally recognized government battling the rebels. The conflict intensified after forces from the recognized government and a Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on Houthi-held Sanaa International Airport in July, ending a 2022 ceasefire. Early Monday, the Houthi military spokesperson claimed the rebel group fired ballistic missiles at military gatherings and weapons depots in Aden and Lahj provinces, asserting casualties and equipment losses, though the Associated Press could not independently verify these claims.