Regional security
THE fact that high officials from the Makkah defence pact partner states — Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye — were in Tehran on Monday made global headlines, and with good reason. At a time when the clouds of war are once again hovering over the Gulf, the meeting sent a strong message that regional states with often competing agendas can come together and discuss their issues at the negotiating…
High-ranking officials from the Makkah defence pact countries—Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey—gathered in Tehran on Monday, making headlines worldwide. In a crucial meeting, as tensions over potential war in the Gulf persisted, the gathering demonstrated that diverse regional states with conflicting interests can unite to address their concerns through negotiation.
The alliance, often viewed as an alternative to Iran's 'Axis of Resistance', featured Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Saudi Arabia's Defence Minister, emphasizing the latter's significant priority. Iran's official response highlighted the commitment to "continue the dialogue… for peace and security in the region." This meeting further validates Pakistan's diplomatic endeavors, following the Chief Defence Forces' recent Tehran visit.
The context of the meeting includes concerns over potential U.S./Israeli assaults on Iran and Saudi Arabia’s pursuit to engage Iran through Yemen’s Houthi Ansarallah group to cease attacks on the kingdom. Riyadh's apprehension about Iranian retaliation in the event of renewed Israeli and American aggression suggests a potential first area of discussion for the Makkah pact allies and Iran: Yemen.
Both Saudi Arabia and Iran, alongside other regional powers, should strive for an immediate ceasefire, the cessation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, and the lifting of the Saudi-led blockade on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. A negotiated end to the Yemeni civil war should be advocated by all parties. The presence of the U.S. and Israel preparing for further aggression against Iran could undermine regional entente efforts.
Therefore, all Tehran meeting participants must unequivocally oppose attacks on Iran or any other regional state. Iran and the Makkah pact states should also commit not to allow external actors to employ their territories for aggression against one another. While inviting Iran to join the Makkah alliance might not be feasible at present, regional states could at least agree to a common non-aggression framework, sending a potent signal to external forces seeking to destabilize the region.
Efforts by regional states to prevent a return to war are genuine and compelling. It is high time for Washington and Tel Aviv to recognize the gravity of the situation and abandon their destructive plans.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
