Saudi, Turkish, Pakistani Officials Meet Iran's Leadership in Tehran

Senior security officials from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are meeting with Iranian leadership in Tehran in an effort to de-escalate regional tensions. The delegation includes Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and Turkey's Head of Intelligence Ibrahim Kalin. This marks the first high-level meeting between Iran and the "Mecca Alliance" countries since Saudi Arabia became deeply involved in the regional conflict against the Houthis.

The meeting, reported by Reuters, comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S., ongoing Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, and the potential for a renewed broad military campaign against Iran. The officials are expected to consult with Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Deputy Secretary Ali Bagheri-Kani confirmed the visit and participants on Iranian state television.

The initiative for the meeting reportedly came from Pakistan's army chief during his recent visit to Tehran, where he met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials. While Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baqai stated that discussions would focus on regional security, Israeli expansionist policies, developments in Palestinian territories and Lebanon, and the implications of U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, the primary focus is expected to be the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.

The meeting is occurring against the backdrop of a mutual defense pact signed in August between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, known as the "Mecca Joint Defense Agreement." This agreement stipulates that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all, obligating them to use "all necessary means" to repel threats. However, there has been no Turkish or Pakistani military response to the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia thus far.

This diplomatic effort is part of broader initiatives led by Pakistan and Qatar to prevent further deterioration. A Qatari mediation delegation also met with Iranian officials in Tehran recently. The Houthi movement claimed responsibility for drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline earlier on Monday, though this has not yet been officially confirmed by Saudi authorities.