Islamabad: Senior officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye are set to visit Tehran on Monday for high level talks with Iranian leaders, according to Saudi and Iranian officials, as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent further escalation across the Middle East.
The planned visit will bring together representatives of the three countries that signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August 2026.
Iranian state media, citing Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, reported that Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin would participate in the talks.
The delegations are expected to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei.
Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly confirmed the planned meetings in a statement on X, describing the visit as part of efforts to reduce tensions and encourage diplomatic engagement.
He said the initiative would support mediation efforts undertaken by Qatar and Pakistan to address the continuing regional crisis.
Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) tweeted on X about the planned visit, confirming Pakistan's participation in the talks.
Why are the three countries visiting Iran?
The diplomatic initiative comes amid heightened tensions following renewed attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement on Saudi Arabia and the continuing confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
The planned meetings would mark the first collective high level engagement between Iran and all three members of the Makkah Defence Alliance since Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia intensified.
Earlier this month, alliance defence officials met in Riyadh and agreed to facilitate the rapid deployment of military personnel and capabilities to Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan's continuing diplomatic role
Pakistan maintained diplomatic contact with Iran and the United States during the conflict, seeking to facilitate negotiations and reduce regional tensions.
Field Marshal Munir visited Tehran last week and held discussions with President Pezeshkian and other senior Iranian officials.
The latest visit therefore follows an earlier round of direct contact between Pakistan's military leadership and Iranian officials.
