Pakistan-backed mediation seeks to prevent renewed Iran conflict

Saudi Arabia has urged the parties involved in the regional crisis to engage constructively in diplomatic efforts and open direct negotiation channels, following high-level talks between Iranian officials and representatives from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye in Tehran. The initiative is intended to prevent renewed military escalation and advance a negotiated settlement.

The Tehran meeting brought together Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. They met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials, including Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei.

According to an official Saudi statement, the delegation’s visit formed part of continuing efforts by the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement countries to reduce tensions, encourage dialogue and support mediation undertaken by Pakistan and Qatar. Riyadh called for practical engagement with the outcome of the meeting and the wider diplomatic process.

Saudi authorities emphasised the importance of negotiations that could prevent another round of military confrontation and produce an agreement capable of restoring regional security. The kingdom also described the Makkah pact countries as important contributors to regional stability and cooperation.

The gathering represented the first high-level collective engagement between Iran and the three agreement members since Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August. The pact establishes a collective security framework under which an armed attack against one participating country is treated as an attack against all members.

Pakistan has already completed its ratification process, while Turkiye has been proceeding through its domestic parliamentary requirements. The participating states have also committed to institutionalising their cooperation, strengthening defence coordination and supporting peaceful responses to regional crises.

The diplomatic push comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Houthi forces claimed attacks on Saudi oil-pipeline facilities and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, although Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed those specific claims when the report was published.

For Pakistan, the meeting reinforces its role as both a member of the regional defence framework and a diplomatic intermediary seeking de-escalation. Continued negotiations will determine whether the Tehran engagement produces a formal roadmap or confidence-building measures capable of preventing further conflict and protecting regional trade, energy routes and civilian populations.