Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his country is ready to take steps toward deepening regional cooperation and resolving differences during a meeting in Tehran, as reported by IRNA. The diplomatic gathering brings together officials from Iran and the three signatories of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement—Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye—following an escalation of Houthi rebel attacks on Saudi infrastructure.
High-Level Delegations Convene in Tehran
The diplomatic outreach marks the first direct, high-level contact between Tehran and the three Makkah pact nations since Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia intensified its strikes against Saudi Arabia. The meetings are part of ongoing regional de-escalation efforts, coming just weeks after ministers from the Makkah pact countries held an emergency meeting in Riyadh to ensure the rapid deployment of military capabilities to defend Saudi territory.
Hosting the discussions in Tehran, Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, welcomed a delegation that included Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. Iranian state media noted that the delegation heads also met with President Pezeshkian before his scheduled departure for Russia.
| Country / Delegation | Key Representative | Role in Makkah Pact / Talks |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Prince Khalid bin Salman | Defense Minister; target of recent Houthi strikes |
| Pakistan | Field Marshal Asim Munir | Chief of Army Staff; active regional intermediary |
| Türkiye | Ibrahim Kalin | National Intelligence Director |
| Iran | Mohsen Rezaei / Masoud Pezeshkian | Host nation; Supreme National Security Council and Presidency |
President Pezeshkian Pushes for Regional Unity
During the meetings, President Pezeshkian emphasized the necessity of Islamic nations standing together against external pressures and security threats. As detailed by TodayPress.tv, Pezeshkian remarked that Islamic countries should make brotherhood and unity the foundation of their mutual relations to prevent disputes.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, with firm conviction and serious determination, is ready to take steps toward deepening regional cooperation, resolving differences and drawing on the shared capabilities of Islamic countries,” Pezeshkian stated, according to A News. The Iranian president also criticized regional actions by Israel, asserting that a coordinated position among Muslim states could counter ongoing security escalations.
Diplomatic Mediation Amid Ongoing Conflict
The diplomatic push in Tehran unfolds against the backdrop of a wider conflict sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Pakistan has maintained a central role in diplomatic channels, with Field Marshal Munir visiting Tehran to discuss the diplomatic deadlock. Iranian state media reported that Tehran has insisted on fulfilling its specific demands before resuming any talks with the United States regarding the ongoing hostilities.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister for public diplomacy, Ambassador Dr. Rayed Krimly, noted on X—as highlighted by the Saudi Gazette—that the high-level visit forms part of broader efforts led by the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement members to promote dialogue, support Qatari and Pakistani mediation, and reinforce regional stability.
