RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at a meeting between representatives of the countries of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement and Iranian officials in Tehran on Monday.

The Saudi defense minister also held talks with the head of Turkish intelligence Ibrahim Kalin and the Pakistani army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the gathering.

Iranian officials and those from the Makkah pact countries agreed to continue talks after Monday's initial meeting, according to reports in Iranian state media

The Kingdom’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman led the delegation to Tehran for the talks to help ease regional tensions, Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister for public diplomacy said earlier on Monday.

The Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Mohsen Rezaei, was also in attendance.

Krimly said the visit is part of ongoing efforts by the Makkah pact states to deescalate the current situation and encourage dialogue and diplomatic solutions. It also supports the mediation efforts undertaken by Qatar and Pakistan.

The Saudi foreign Ministry also issued a statement, saying the defense minister's visit to Tehran aims "to encourage dialogue and diplomatic solutions."

It also said the kingdom stresses the importance of opening "channels of negotiation to prevent a renewed military escalation in the region."

"The Kingdom reaffirms the pivotal role of the Makkah Agreement countries in maintaining security and stability in the region, and in working with all countries to ensure peace in the region and the world."