From Makkah to Tehran

The four-way meeting in Tehran between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Iran is a big development at a time when such a development is sorely needed. COAS-CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin met senior Iranian military officials in the first joint meeting of its kind. Requested by Pakistan, the meeting was part of the continued efforts by countries associated with the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement to de-escalate the ongoing crisis. Hosted by Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Major-General Mohsen Rezaei, the talks are said to have covered regional cooperation, peace and security, the US-Israeli war against Iran and its consequences. The four countries have agreed to continue dialogue to strengthen cooperation on regional peace and security. Observers consider the visit one of the most important to Tehran by any delegation in recent times, particularly because of the presence of the Saudi defence minister, regarded as one of the Kingdom’s most influential figures after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The visit assumes added significance as the Houthis, considered to be backed by Iran, have been targeting Saudi Arabia in recent weeks.

The meeting also sends a clear message to Washington and Tel Aviv that Riyadh does not intend to be drawn into a direct confrontation with Tehran, even as it acts to protect its territory against Houthi attacks. Saudi Arabia has tried to stay out of the conflict despite pressure from some Gulf countries and the US to become involved. This restraint, alongside Pakistan’s diplomatic initiative and Turkiye’s participation, offers a basis for a regional approach that prioritises dialogue over further military escalation. Given the Makkah defence pact and the nature of the alliance, the meeting may also be viewed as a step towards a future regional security arrangement in which Iran could eventually participate. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also said that Tehran supports any agreement that strengthens unity among Muslim countries and promotes constructive cooperation in West Asia. There were further indications of Iran’s security priorities when Rezaei subsequently met Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Their discussions addressed safeguarding national and regional security, maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz and strengthening bilateral relations with neighbouring countries on the basis of enduring mutual interests.

Other international developments underline the need to sustain these diplomatic efforts. China has announced it will send an envoy to the relevant countries soon. Saudi Arabia has also expressed support for mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar. These are welcome signs that regional and international actors recognise the dangers of allowing the conflict to widen. And yet, it seems they are the only adults in the room. US President Donald Trump continues to defend his military campaign against Iran, dismissing an earlier ceasefire as a “waste of time”. Such rhetoric does little to advance peace. So, while Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Qatar and China are pursuing avenues to contain the crisis, Washington continues to send mixed signals. The assumption that regional countries should join a conflict that serves neither their interests nor those of the wider Muslim world is misguided. Except for Israel, there appears to be little appetite for this war. The sooner Trump recognises the limits of military force and brings the war to an end, the better for the region and the world.