Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran amid threats of renewed US attacks and Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia. The visit moves previously announced diplomacy into direct talks. Disputes over Iranian ports, shipping through Hormuz and regional security remain, with no new peace agreement announced.
Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, Pakistani army chief Asim Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran on 26 October. Their countries signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, a mutual security pact. The visit sought de-escalation amid threats of renewed US attacks on Iran and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.[1], [2]
A senior Pakistani security official described the focus as a regional non-aggression network, with US-Iran talks, Houthi attacks, the Strait of Hormuz and the blockade of Iranian ports also on the agenda. Tehran wants the naval blockade lifted and a return to the June memorandum. Washington and regional governments seek unimpeded shipping through Hormuz, the narrow sea passage connecting the Gulf to the open ocean.[1], [2]
Iranian state media said the four countries agreed to continue talks on peace and security. Saudi Arabia said the visit aimed to open negotiating channels to prevent renewed military escalation. An Iranian official said the nuclear programme would not be discussed at Monday’s meeting. Earlier mediation by Pakistan and Qatar helped produce an interim agreement in June, but fighting resumed. No new peace settlement was announced.[2]
