Makkah Alliance countries, Iran agree to pursue talks for regional de-escalation

RIYADH — The countries of the Makkah Defense Alliance and Iran have agreed to continue discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation and de-escalate tensions in the region. The three countries—Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan—and Iran reached the agreement during a quadrilateral meeting hosted by Tehran on Monday, according to Iranian state television. The parties agreed to continue discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation, and promoting regional peace and security. The meeting brought together Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan Army Chief of Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin, representing the countries of the “Makkah Defense Alliance.” They met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei. **media[2785664]** During the talks, Pezeshkian expressed support for agreements aimed at strengthening regional security and signaled Tehran’s readiness to resolve differences through cooperation. Pezeshkian told the visiting delegation that Iran supported any understanding that would enhance security in the region and was prepared to take steps toward greater regional cooperation and resolving disputes. Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei also struck an optimistic tone following the meeting, describing discussions with representatives of the three alliance member states as “very good.” “I feel that a new atmosphere is emerging in the region. I sensed a very positive atmosphere in the discussions,” Rezaei told state television. In a statement issued on Monday, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the visit of Prince Khalid bin Salman and representatives of the countries of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement to Tehran to meet with senior Iranian officials was an extension of the Kingdom’s role in promoting regional and international dialogue and peace. The visit also formed part of ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions among the parties to the current crisis and encourage dialogue and diplomatic solutions. The ministry said the talks would also support ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan. Saudi Arabia expressed hope that all parties involved in the crisis would respond positively and constructively to the outcomes of the planned visit and the continuing mediation efforts. The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey in August, commits its members to mutual defense in the event of an external attack and provides for closer military and security cooperation.