Türkiye warns against renewed strikes on Iran as Istanbul hosts high-level talks

Turkish National Intelligence Organization Director Ibrahim Kalın is set to arrive in Tehran on Monday to join counterparts from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan for a four-party security summit. The meeting, described as focusing on regional security, brings together leaders from the so-called Mecca Defense Alliance with Iran’s security establishment. Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, confirmed the attendance of Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir, and Kalın. The discussions will be held with Mohsen Rezaei, Iran’s security chief. Turkish sources spoke to the Anadolu Agency to verify Kalın’s participation in the talks scheduled for Monday. Bagheri Kani stated in an interview with state television that the gathering represents a crucial step toward establishing durable regional security. He noted that the initiative aims to foster a stable environment in the area. According to the Iranian official, the proposal for this specific meeting originated during General Munir’s visit to Tehran earlier in the week. The diplomatic engagement occurs against a backdrop of sustained conflict in the Middle East. War erupted in February when the United States and Israel launched surprise attacks on Iran while nuclear negotiations were underway. Although an April cease-fire halted the initial phase of heavy bombardment, hostilities have persisted regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas previously transited the strait. Iran claims authority over the waterway and targets unauthorized vessels, while the United States maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports. Diplomatic relations between Washington and Tehran remain frozen following the collapse of a June agreement that had outlined a path to a permanent settlement. The conflict has expanded to include fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis. Rayed Krimly, Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy, posted on social media that the meeting supports ongoing de-escalation efforts by Mecca Pact members. He added that the visit highlights the commitment of these states to work with all regional nations to achieve stability. In parallel developments, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted senior diplomats in Istanbul on October 23. The gathering marked the first joint session of the R4 and E3 diplomatic groups. The R4 framework includes Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, while the E3 consists of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also attended the proceedings. Fidan warned that any renewed military action against Iran would expand the war and spread conflict throughout the region. He emphasized that military intervention is not a solution and that no party currently endorses such measures. Fidan stated that all attendees oppose further escalation and support ending conflicts in both the Gulf and Ukraine. He described the meeting as a major diplomatic event aimed at preventing the war from widening. Reports indicated that the Trump administration considered resuming strikes on Iran after its midterm elections. On maritime issues, Fidan urged the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that disruptions were increasing prices in Europe. He also demanded that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia cease. Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan called for an end to fighting or, failing that, exemptions for energy and grain shipments in the Black Sea. The Istanbul talks also addressed a maritime agreement with Libya. The Libyan parliament in Benghazi unanimously approved the 2019 deal with Türkiye on October 20, reversing a prior rejection. Fidan noted that his Egyptian counterpart raised Cairo’s reservations about the pact during the meeting. Ankara expressed readiness to address these concerns through consultations involving Türkiye, Italy, and Egypt. Fidan indicated that conditions have matured for unifying Libya’s rival eastern and western administrations. He suggested that positive announcements regarding this unification process are imminent. The R4 mechanism, established earlier this year, seeks to promote regional stability through dialogue among its member states.