Iranupdated 1h ago2 min read
Archive photo · 27 April 2026Abbas Araghchi Says Iran Continues Dialogue With Saudi Arabia, Seeks Regional Security Away From Foreign Military Presence
“Our goal is to reach new regional security arrangements established by the countries of the region themselves, away from any foreign military presence,”
“‘constructive’ role in achieving lasting regional peace and stability”
Photo: Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0 · Cropped for layout
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Iran continues talks with Saudi Arabia on regional security excluding foreign military presence. Tehran seeks regional-led security arrangements by Gulf states, free of foreign forces.
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Tehran keeps Saudi talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran continues dialogue with Saudi Arabia as it seeks new regional security arrangements led by countries in the region and “away from any foreign military presence.” Araghchi said, “We have no hostility toward the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council,” and he added that Iran “continue[s] our dialogue with Saudi Arabia” while appreciating the role played by Qatar and Oman. Araghchi said Iran discussed new regional security structures with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan during a recent visit by delegations from the three countries to Tehran.
Araghchi said the talks focus on “cooperation among regional powers in addressing political, security and economic challenges,” and he said the four countries agreed to continue consultations at different levels. Araghchi warned that US military bases and other American targets in the region would be included in Iran’s response if Washington launched another attack on the country.
Regional security without outsiders
Iran’s approach to regional security emphasized direct dialogue among regional states, with the Anadolu Ajansı account citing Araghchi’s push for arrangements “away from any foreign military presence.” The Anadolu Ajansı account said the statements came after talks hosted in Tehran on October 26 with officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, and Iran, and it said Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman participated. Araghchi posted on X that discussions with Riyadh were ongoing, and he framed the effort around a regional security framework involving countries in the region rather than outside powers.
Saudi Arabia described the visit as aimed at opening channels for negotiations to “prevent the return of military escalation.” A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran and the United States were still far from a deal to end the war, and Tehran would not accept what it described as Washington’s “excessive demands.”
Yemen fighting and mediation
Diplomatic contacts between Iran and Saudi Arabia came as regional tensions rose after the US-Israeli war on Iran began in late February and spread to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The Houthis struck Saudi oil facilities and airports, including Riyadh’s international airport, disrupting flights and oil exports, and Saudi airstrikes followed against Houthi positions in Yemen. The Houthis’ advance towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait added another strategic dimension because the strait is a major international shipping chokepoint opposite the Arabian Peninsula from the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar emerged as a key intermediary in efforts to prevent a return to active hostilities following the US midterm elections. Araghchi praised Qatar’s mediation efforts and the positions of Oman and Saudi Arabia as he urged Gulf countries to help prevent another confrontation.