Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan agree to continue dialogue with Tehran on regional security and possible US-Iran negotiations amid Houthi attacks on the Kingdom.
Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, the three signatories to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, met Iranian leaders in Tehran on Monday, October 26, to discuss regional security, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and efforts to prevent further military escalation.
The meeting brought together Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Turkish National Intelligence Organisation Director Ibrahim Kalin with senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei.
According to Reuters, discussions included a possible regional non-aggression framework, the resumption of negotiations between the United States and Iran, efforts to halt Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and security concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
The four countries agreed to continue dialogue to strengthen regional cooperation, peace and security, according to a joint statement reported by Iranian state media.
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The meeting provided an opportunity for the three Makkah pact members to communicate their security concerns directly to Tehran while exploring diplomatic options to contain the wider regional conflict.
Saudi Arabia: Makkah Pact allies seek de-escalation
Saudi Arabia described the visit as part of continuing efforts by the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement countries to reduce regional tensions, promote dialogue and support diplomatic solutions.
According to Saudi Gazette, Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Ambassador Dr Rayed Krimly said the visit was intended to support de-escalation and mediation efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan.
In an official statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit was aimed at encouraging dialogue, opening channels for negotiations and preventing a return to military escalation.
“The Kingdom looks forward to the positive and practical engagement of the parties to the crisis with the outcomes of this visit and with the ongoing efforts of Qatar and Pakistan,” the statement said.
Riyadh also emphasised the role of the Makkah pact members in strengthening regional security and stability while working with other countries to advance peaceful solutions.
Iran calls for regional cooperation
Iranian state media presented the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among regional countries and develop security arrangements led by countries in the region.
The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that President Pezeshkian expressed support for understandings aimed at strengthening unity among Muslim countries.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran supports any understanding aimed at strengthening the unity and cohesion of Islamic nations,” Pezeshkian was quoted as saying in a report published by Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper.
He also said regional countries could set an example of justice and development by pooling their resources and capabilities.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei described the discussions positively, saying they had created a new atmosphere for regional engagement.
According to Türkiye’s Anadolu Agency, Rezaei said West Asian security should be based on the countries of the region, without external interference.
Iranian officials also identified the consequences of US and Israeli military actions, developments in Palestine and Lebanon, and regional security arrangements as important issues.
The Tehran meeting allowed Iran to present its position directly to Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, whose Makkah pact establishes a defence partnership among the three countries.
Türkiye participates in regional security discussions
Türkiye was represented by Ibrahim Kalin, director of the country’s National Intelligence Organisation.
Türkiye’s Anadolu Agency reported that the meeting addressed regional security, Israel’s activities and developments in Palestine and Lebanon.
Ankara’s participation brought another regional power into direct security discussions with Iran while maintaining its defence partnership with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
The talks also gave Türkiye an opportunity to participate in discussions on a possible regional security framework at a time when the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has heightened concerns across West Asia.
Pakistan advances diplomatic efforts
Pakistan played a significant role in facilitating the engagement, following Field Marshal Munir’s visit to Tehran the previous week.
According to Reuters, a senior Pakistani security official said the discussions focused on the possibility of establishing a regional non-aggression framework.
Another Pakistani official said Munir had presented a proposal intended to offer a compromise acceptable to both Washington and Tehran, although its details were not disclosed.
The Pakistani official also said members of the Makkah pact and Qatar could potentially serve as guarantors if the proposal were accepted.
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