Maria Imran 
Mecca Defence Alliance
The Mecca Defence Alliance has taken its diplomacy to Tehran, where officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are discussing regional security amid threats of new US strikes on Iran. Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, Pakistani army chief Asim Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin met President Masoud Pezeshkian, with further talks planned with security chief Mohsen Rezaei.
Mecca Defence Alliance Delegation Arrives in Tehran
The three nations signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, and the visit is among the highest-profile dialogues held in Tehran in recent months. Iranian authorities said they favour security originating from within the region, which matches the alliance’s focus on joint deterrence and stability.
Yemen and Iran-US Tensions Set the Agenda
The talks are expected to address missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Houthis, who are allied with Tehran, as covered in Houthis Claim New Attacks On Saudi Arabia’s Oil Facilities And Airports. Analysts say Türkiye and Pakistan cannot afford to commit troops on the ground in Yemen, which makes diplomacy the main tool available to the partners.
The meeting follows the Pakistani army chief’s recent visits to Saudi Arabia and Iran, covered in Pakistan Army Chief Meets Iran’s President To Advance US-Iran Mediation Efforts. That continuity shows Pakistan keeping channels open with Riyadh and Tehran at the same time.
Analysts Weigh the Prospects for a Breakthrough
Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group described the visit as an attempt to tip the balance towards those willing to compromise before fighting resumes. Sanam Vakil of Chatham House said she was cautiously optimistic about the immediate meeting, with room for limited understandings on Yemen, but less positive about a lasting breakthrough.
Major disputes remain, including the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, shipping through Hormuz and Iran’s enriched uranium. A phased arrangement linking shipping, sanctions relief and nuclear inspections would give diplomacy its best chance, and Pakistan’s access to both sides makes it well placed to help.
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