Iranian Supreme Leader meets with Security Council chief following regional diplomatic talks

On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei held a public meeting with Mohsen Rezaei, the chief of the Supreme Council for National Security. This marked the leader’s first public appearance since he succeeded his father in March. The meeting followed high-level discussions held in Tehran on Monday between Iranian officials and representatives from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, aimed at de-escalating the regional conflict that began with a February attack on Iran by the U.S. and Israel.

During the discussions, Khamenei emphasized the necessity of protecting Iranian interests and adhering to established conditions to end the ongoing war. According to state media, the talks between Khamenei and Rezaei also focused on regional security, specifically maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz and bolstering ties with neighboring nations. Officials noted that the Monday talks with the Mecca mutual defence pact members—which include Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan—did not include discussions regarding Iran's nuclear program. This dialogue represents the first significant high-level engagement between Iran and these three nations since the start of the conflict, which previously drew Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement into direct confrontation.