Mideast leaders call for calm as fears mount of a renewed war in the region, and other Mideast news

Regional leaders urged for tranquility on Saturday as apprehensions of a resurgence in conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran intensify. During a security conference in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia's Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed ElKhereiji underscored the regional desire for a return to peace. ElKhereiji stated that all efforts are being made to avert a military escalation and reach an agreement to end the crisis with Iran. However, he cautioned that the success of these endeavors remains uncertain.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty echoed the growing concerns, warning that a regional escalation would be catastrophic. He expressed confidence that the second round of conflict would be more destructive and futile. Syria emphasized the shared responsibility of border security with its neighbor Jordan during the same forum.

The country's Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani revealed that a high-level meeting will be held next month to discuss border arrangements. The announcement came following Jordanian airstrikes in Syria, which claimed the lives of 20 militants from the extremist Islamic State group, though civilian casualties were also reported.

Al-Shibani also disclosed that Syria is currently deliberating on the possibility of joining the Mecca Pact, a Saudi-led defense coalition comprising Turkey and Pakistan. He acknowledged that Syria's membership in the alliance would depend on its ability to enhance security in the region.