Iran's foreign minister visits Saudi Arabia for Middle East talks

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Saudi Arabia on Wednesday for the first time since taking office, amid the tense situation in the Middle East, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported.

The minister met his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. "We hope that these consultations can lead to better conditions for Palestine, Lebanon and peace in the region," Araghchi said.

Sources at the Iranian embassy in Riyadh told dpa that the foreign ministers would also discuss a possible summit of Islamic countries on the ongoing escalation in the Middle East.

Iran's foreign minister was also scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, before travelling on to Qatar later in the day, they said.

Israeli Channel 12 television reported that the United States and several Arab states have begun secret talks with Iran regarding an all-encompassing ceasefire in the region. Israel is not currently involved in the talks.

Iranian leaders are under increasing pressure following Israeli military strikes against Iran's allies, including the Lebanese Hezbollah, as the country's long-standing shadow conflict with arch-enemy Israel threatens to escalate into open warfare.