Regional Tensions Ease as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan Agree to Continue Peace Talks
In a significant development, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan have agreed to continue dialogue on regional cooperation, peace, and security, amidst escalating tensions that threaten regional stability and the global economy. The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting in Tehran on Monday, attended by senior officials from the four countries.
The meeting, hosted by Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, brought together Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir, and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. The four countries agreed to continue the dialogue to strengthen cooperation on peace and security in the region, as stated in a joint statement.
The meeting comes as Saudi Arabia faced weeks of attacks by Houthi rebels, who are fighting forces of Yemen's internationally recognized government, backed by Riyadh. The discussions focused on establishing a regional non-aggression network and negotiations between Washington and Tehran, as well as the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Strait of Hormuz, and the US blockade of Iranian ports.
The meeting marked the first high-level contact between Iran and the three other countries since the Houthi group escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia last month. Pakistan has served as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran since the United States and Israel launched the war in February. The conflict has worsened Yemen's humanitarian situation and added pressure to the wider regional crisis.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Turkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia in August, aims to strengthen regional security and stability. The agreement states that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all, and members will use "all necessary means" to address threats to one another's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and internationally recognized borders.
