Mecca Defence Alliance to Hold Iran Talks
Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye are scheduled to meet Iranian leaders in Tehran on Monday, October 26, 2026, amid escalating tensions across West Asia. The talks mark the first high-level engagement between Iran and all three members of the Mecca Defence Alliance since Yemen’s Houthi movement intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye Hold Iran Talks
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan’s military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin are expected to participate in the discussions.
Iran’s delegation will be led by Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.
Iranian officials said the meeting would address regional security, developments in Palestine and Lebanon, and the consequences of US-Israeli military operations against Iran.
Saudi officials described the initiative as an effort to reduce tensions and support diplomatic mediation by Qatar and Pakistan.
Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Raise Security Concerns
The meeting follows intensified missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia.
Saudi forces intercepted another wave of missiles and drones on Sunday as fighting continued.
Earlier this month, Mecca Defence Alliance members held emergency discussions in Riyadh and agreed to prepare for rapid military deployments to protect Saudi territory.
Pakistan has also been involved in mediation between Washington and Tehran following the outbreak of the US-Israel war against Iran in February.
Mecca Defence Pact Faces Major Regional Test
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in August 2026.
Under the agreement, an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all three countries.
Pakistan approved the pact last week, while Turkiye has begun parliamentary ratification proceedings.
The Tehran discussions could provide an opportunity to establish regional security arrangements and prevent further escalation. However, no new ceasefire or diplomatic agreement has been announced.
