Top officials from the Makkah Pact countries—Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan—are set to meet Iranian leaders in Tehran on Monday. This marks the first high-level engagement since Saudi Arabia became increasingly involved in the ongoing tensions with Iran, particularly amid escalating attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis and rising rhetoric between Washington and Tehran.
The meeting will feature Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Turkiye’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, according to officials from both Saudi Arabia and Iran. This dialogue is significant as it represents a concerted effort by these nations to address regional security concerns and promote diplomatic solutions.
Context of the Meeting
Recent weeks have seen a surge in attacks from the Houthis, prompting heightened military and diplomatic responses. The planned discussions in Tehran will be the first formal contact between Iran and all three members of the Makkah Pact since Saudi Arabia’s deeper involvement in the conflict. Under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August, an armed attack on one member is considered an attack on all, emphasizing the urgency of this meeting.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei indicated that the talks will cover various regional security issues, including “Israel’s expansionist policies, developments in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, and the repercussions of US and Israeli military action against Iran.” This reflects the broader geopolitical tensions that have been exacerbated by recent events.
Initiation and Objectives
The meeting was proposed during Field Marshal Munir’s visit to Tehran last week, where he met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials. An Iranian official noted that Pakistan initiated the meeting, highlighting its role in regional diplomacy. During this visit, Iranian officials reiterated that there would be no negotiations with Washington until their demands were met, as reported by Iranian media.
Previous mediation efforts involving Pakistan and Qatar had led to a temporary peace agreement in June, but that arrangement quickly fell apart as hostilities resumed. The upcoming consultations will take place with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, focusing on establishing mechanisms for regional security.
Regional Implications
Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly emphasized that the meeting is part of ongoing efforts by the Makkah Pact countries to de-escalate the current crisis and support mediation initiatives led by Qatar and Pakistan. He stated that the visit underscores the pivotal role of the Makkah Pact states in fostering regional stability and their commitment to collaborating with all nations in the region.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the outcomes of this meeting could have significant implications for regional security dynamics and the broader conflict involving Iran and its adversaries.
For further details, refer to Gulf Times.
