Makkah alliance, Iran agree to continue regional security talks

Iran and members of the Makkah Defence Alliance have agreed to continue diplomatic engagement to strengthen regional cooperation and promote peace and security. The understanding was reached during a high-level meeting in Tehran on Monday, amid rising tensions across the Middle East.

According to a statement carried by Iranian state media, participants agreed to maintain dialogue among the four regional countries to improve coordination on security challenges and regional stability.

The discussions covered escalating tensions, the consequences of US and Israeli military operations against Iran, and the latest developments in Palestine and Lebanon. Officials also discussed ways to address regional disputes through diplomacy and cooperation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for greater unity among Muslim countries, saying Tehran was prepared to work towards stronger regional partnerships, resolve differences and make use of shared resources.

He said Iran would support any initiative that promoted unity, security, stability and development across the region. Pezeshkian also stressed that cooperation among Islamic countries could help establish a model based on justice and progress.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Major General Mohsen Rezaei received senior officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye at the start of the meeting. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also attended the discussions.

Pakistan was represented by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin also participated.

Iranian officials said the talks focused on regional security, the repercussions of military action and support for the Palestinian and Lebanese people.

The meeting marked a significant diplomatic contact between Tehran and the three countries since the regional conflict intensified and Saudi Arabia became more directly exposed to security threats. The discussions took place under the broader framework of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August, which treats an armed attack against one member as an attack against all.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the talks would address Israel’s policies, developments in Palestine and Lebanon, and the consequences of US and Israeli military operations against Iran.

He described the meeting as a possible first step towards developing regional security arrangements based on the interests of countries in the region. Iranian officials said the initiative had been proposed during Field Marshal Munir’s visit to Tehran the previous week.

Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly said the visit reflected continuing efforts by the Makkah Pact countries to ease tensions, encourage diplomatic solutions and support mediation initiatives led by Pakistan and Qatar.

The diplomatic engagement comes as regional tensions continue to rise. Qatar has also been involved in efforts to reduce hostilities, with its mediators holding discussions with Iranian officials in Tehran on Sunday.

Earlier mediation efforts involving Pakistan and Qatar helped secure a temporary ceasefire arrangement in June. However, the agreement subsequently broke down as fighting between Iran and the United States resumed.

Meanwhile, security concerns have grown following continued Houthi missile and drone attacks in the region. Saudi Arabia intercepted another wave of projectiles on Sunday, while ministers from the Makkah Pact countries had already agreed at an emergency meeting in Riyadh earlier this month to ensure the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia.

The conflict has also heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. US President Donald Trump has warned that Washington could launch another military operation against Iran, while Iranian officials have threatened a stronger response to any renewed attack.

The latest developments have increased concerns about the wider consequences of the conflict for Gulf security, regional infrastructure and international stability.

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement commits its members to using necessary measures to counter threats to their territorial integrity, sovereignty and internationally recognised borders. Pakistan approved the agreement last week, while the ratification process in Turkiye remains underway.