Description: High level government officials such as Saudi Defense Minister, Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir and Turkey’s chief of intelligence, Ibrahim Kalin, attended a meeting in Tehran hosted by Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei. The defense officials discussed the ongoing mediation efforts to end the US – Iran war as well as the ongoing fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. According to unofficial statements, Saudi Arabia attempted to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with the Houthis and offered the Yemeni militia $1 billion as compensation through Iran. Qatari officials were also present at the meeting representing the mediating side of the conflict between the US and Iran. Rezaei stated the meeting delivered some new talking points and established a basis for constructive dialogue between the nations aiming to deescalate the tensions in the Middle East. Egypt’s Parliament, meanwhile, approved the President’s decision to send military aid and troops to Saudi Arabia in a defensive capability in the war against the Houthis.
Impact: The high level meeting between regional government representatives is highly likely of coordinative nature with the purpose of reiterating negotiating demands and requesting further guarantees. Saudi Arabia has likely requested from Iran to leverage its influence on the Houthis and cease or at least decrease attacks on critical infrastructure. The Houthis are highly likely pursuing an autonomous tactical and strategic campaign and have a partnership of mutual understanding with Iran regarding national and regional objectives. Thus, the Houthis are unlikely to respond positively to any Iranian attempts to decrease attacks on Saudi or Yemeni targets. Iran has likely reiterated their demands in terms of the war with the US in order for both countries to be in a position to reach any potential peace agreement. Turkey, Pakistan and Qatar are likely forwarding diplomatic alternatives that could ease tensions in the region which are unlikely to succeed. The US has been largely passive in communicating its intentions on the Iran war past the midterm elections which highly likely indicates that wartime operations will resume.