By Sohaib Shams
Regional leaders called for calm Saturday amid growing fears of a new escalation between the United States, Israel, and Iran, with officials at a Bahrain security forum emphasizing a desire for peace.
Saudi official stresses peace efforts
Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed ElKhereiji told the forum that regional efforts aim to prevent military escalation and reach an agreement to end the crisis with Iran. He said the message is clear that people in the region want to bring back peace, though the outcome remains unpredictable.
Egypt warns of destructive escalation
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said any further escalation would be extremely destructive, warning that a second round of conflict would be more dangerous and lead nowhere.
Syria and Jordan to discuss border security
Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani said border security is a shared responsibility with Jordan and a high-level meeting is expected next month. He denied skirmishes between the two countries following Jordanian strikes in Syria last week that killed 20 Islamic State militants but also civilians. Syrian authorities reported seven deaths, mostly women and children.
Syria considers joining Saudi-led defense alliance
Al-Shibani also said Syria is evaluating whether to join the Mecca Pact, a Saudi-led defense alliance that includes Turkey and Pakistan, stating the region needs a structure to protect its security.
