Rawalpindi: Pakistan's military expressed cautious optimism about Islamabad's mediation efforts between Iran and the United States, following a series of high level diplomatic engagements aimed at ending the eight month conflict.
Speaking to Reuters in Rawalpindi on Friday, October 30, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said repeated visits to Tehran by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and the Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, indicated encouraging developments in the mediation process.
Munir visited Tehran twice this month, most recently on Monday, when he was accompanied by senior officials from Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. He was accompanied by senior officials from Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
Asked whether the visits indicated progress, Chaudhry said there were positive signs but emphasised that Pakistan remained cautious about settlement prospects.
He also warned that influential parties opposed to a diplomatic resolution could undermine negotiations, though he did not identify them.
The military spokesperson declined to disclose details of the latest discussions or to confirm whether Washington endorsed the delegation's visit.
Iran could join Makkah Defence Alliance, says ISPR chief
Chaudhry also addressed the possibility of expanding the Makkah Defence Alliance, a security arrangement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
According to the ISPR Director General, the pact does not explicitly prohibit other countries from joining.
Asked whether Iran could become a member, he indicated that countries that shared the alliance's objectives of collective deterrence and regional peace could be considered.
However, he clarified that any decision to expand membership would rest with the political leadership of the three existing member countries.
His remarks suggested that the alliance's future structure remains a political decision rather than an automatic extension of existing defence commitments.
Pakistan reiterates commitment to Saudi Arabia
The military spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to Saudi Arabia's security and to the protection of the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.
Asked whether Pakistan intended to deploy additional troops to Saudi Arabia under the defence agreement, Chaudhry said such decisions would depend on prevailing circumstances and on consultations between the political leadership of both countries.
He also clarified that Pakistan was not involved in Yemen's internal conflict.
The remarks came as regional security concerns intensified following missile and drone attacks involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement in Yemen.
Diplomatic progress remains uncertain
The latest diplomatic initiative brought Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye into closer consultation with Iran, although substantial disagreements between Tehran and Washington remain unresolved.
While the ISPR director general's remarks indicate cautious confidence in the mediation process, no breakthrough or final agreement was announced.
The outcome will depend on whether the parties can reconcile their competing security and diplomatic demands and prevent further escalation.
