Saudi, Pakistani, Turkish officials meet Iran to ease regional tensions

Senior military and security officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey held talks in Tehran on Monday with Iranian leaders to address escalating regional tensions and explore diplomatic solutions. The delegations were led by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin. They met with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei.

The three countries are signatories to the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August 2026, which stipulates that an armed attack on any member is considered an attack on all. Despite this alliance, designed partly in response to regional security concerns, the delegations pursued direct engagement with Tehran. Iranian officials described the meeting as a potential step toward establishing what Iran calls "endogenous security"—a regional security framework based primarily on the capabilities and interests of regional countries rather than external powers.

The talks addressed multiple regional security issues, including escalating missile and drone attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels against Saudi infrastructure, as well as broader tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Saudi Arabia stated that the delegations sought "ways to de-escalate tensions, enhance regional security and promote its stability." Pakistani and Iranian officials emphasized the need for regional cooperation and prevention of foreign interference. Turkish officials clarified that while Turkey supports Saudi Arabia's defensive measures, it has ruled out joining offensive military operations against the Houthis inside Yemen, instead offering assistance in air defence, electronic warfare, and technical support.

The meeting came amid heightened regional tensions, with Israeli and American leaders sharpening rhetoric ahead of their respective elections, while Iranian leaders remained defiant. Qatari mediators were simultaneously in Tehran, working to facilitate broader de-escalation efforts between Tehran and Washington. According to multiple regional officials, the discussions focused on preventing renewed large-scale military confrontation and establishing mechanisms for sustained regional dialogue. No formal agreements were announced immediately following the talks, though all parties affirmed their commitment to continued consultation.