Regional leaders urged restraint and the pursuit of peace amid mounting concerns over a possible escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Their remarks came during a security forum held on Saturday in Bahrain, where officials from several Middle Eastern countries gathered to discuss regional stability.

Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed ElKhereiji, emphasized the desire across the region for a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions, particularly regarding Iran. Addressing the forum, ElKhereiji highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further military conflict and achieving an agreement to resolve the crisis. While expressing hope, he acknowledged the unpredictability of the situation’s outcome.

Echoing concerns over potential conflict, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned that any intensification of hostilities could have devastating consequences. He stressed that a renewed round of fighting would likely be more destructive and ultimately unproductive, urging all parties to avoid escalation.

The forum also featured remarks from Syria’s Foreign Minister, Assad al-Shibani, who addressed recent tensions between Syria and Jordan, notably after Jordanian military strikes in Syrian territory. Al-Shibani described border security as a mutual obligation and indicated that his government plans to hold high-level discussions with Jordan next month to enhance cooperation and manage the shared border. Despite recent incidents, he denied the existence of ongoing skirmishes between the two neighbors.

The statements from these regional officials reflect heightened anxiety over the possibility of broader conflict involving U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran, and the ongoing complexities of border security in the region. The forum in Bahrain served as a platform for dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and fostering cooperative security arrangements amid a volatile geopolitical environment.