Qatar, as an active mediator in regional security efforts, is hosting Saudi, Turkish, and Pakistani officials in Tehran. This quadrilateral meeting, aimed at examining regional security mechanisms and current developments, comes at a time when Saudi Arabia faces security threats from the Houthi movement in Yemen.
Details of the Quadrilateral Meeting
According to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this meeting will take place on Monday with the participation of the Ministers of Defense and the Chief of General Staff of the Pakistani Army, as well as the head of Turkey's intelligence agency. The officials present at this meeting will discuss topics such as Israel's expansionist policies, developments in Lebanon and Palestine, and the implications of attacks against Iran.
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The Saudi Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman, and the Chief of the Pakistani Army, Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with Ibrahim Kalin, the head of Turkey's intelligence agency, will represent their countries at this meeting. Iranian officials have described this meeting as a step towards broader security cooperation based on shared interests and the capabilities of regional countries.
Security Implications for Saudi Arabia
This meeting is taking place as Saudi Arabia faces security threats from the Houthi movement. This group has recently carried out attacks targeting airports and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, posing serious risks to security and travel in the country. In the latest security alert issued on October 25, the U.S. mission in Saudi Arabia announced that the U.S. State Department has ordered non-essential U.S. government personnel and their families to leave Saudi Arabia.
The alert stated that "Iran-backed Houthis" are engaging in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, and these attacks could quickly extend beyond that region. Furthermore, the alert emphasizes that U.S. government personnel require special permission to use any airport in Saudi Arabia.
King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has recently partially reopened for domestic flights and some international services operated by Saudi airlines. Meanwhile, the airports in Jeddah and Dammam are also operational but facing delays and flight cancellations.
The U.S. mission has advised travelers to exercise caution and check flight statuses directly with airlines and airports.
