Iran visit: Officials from Mecca pact states to hold talks amid regional tensions
Delegations prepare for Tehran talks
The Mecca Defence Alliance delegations from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan will travel to Tehran, Saudi and Iranian officials said. Iran’s delegation will be led by Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.
Rayed Krimly, Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister for public diplomacy, confirmed the meeting. He said the visit is part of allied efforts to reduce tensions and encourage dialogue and diplomatic solutions, in support of mediation by Qatar and Pakistan.
A first high-level contact
Field Marshal Munir visited Tehran last week and met President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials. Pakistan has served as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran since the United States and Israel launched the war in February.
Alliance defence commitments
Ministers from the three alliance countries met in Riyadh this month for an emergency session. They agreed to ensure the “rapid deployment” of military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia.
Ratification steps underway
Turkiye’s parliament began efforts to ratify the agreement last week, and the process is continuing. Pakistan approved the pact last week.
Key points
- Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan are expected to send delegations to Tehran.
- The talks would be the alliance’s first high-level contact with Iran since Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia escalated.
- The visit is presented as supporting de-escalation, dialogue and mediation efforts.
- Pakistan approved the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement last week; Turkiye’s ratification process is ongoing.