Security meeting in Tehran

A regional security meeting is set to take place on Monday, October 26, in Tehran. High-ranking officials from Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are expected to attend, signaling an effort to address regional security concerns independently of external influences.

Participants and goals

Iran’s deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Bagheri Kani, stated that the meeting will include Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, and Turkish Intelligence Chief Ibrahim Kalin. The goal, according to Tehran, is to build a security framework led by regional countries in response to perceived threats from the United States and Israel.

Regional security pact

The discussions come in the context of the Joint Defense Agreement of Mecca, signed in August 2026 by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. This agreement commits the three countries to treat an attack on one as an attack on all, aiming to enhance military cooperation and deterrence. Iran is not a part of this pact.

Analyst highlights significance

Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli military intelligence official and current researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), described the meeting as a development of critical importance. He suggested that Tehran has positively viewed the Mecca agreement, recognizing the need for regional powers to diversify their security alliances beyond the United States.

Regional priorities and risks

Citrinowicz noted that Gulf countries have significant interests at stake in avoiding war, particularly in energy infrastructure, ports, and maritime trade. Strengthening regional cooperation and maintaining dialogue with Iran could help prevent new conflicts and align with the priority of avoiding another regional war.

Implications for the Middle East

The analyst sees this as a message to Israel, where some officials still advocate for military action against Iran. However, neighboring countries are seeking to avoid escalation and prevent the region from becoming a battleground between Tehran and Washington. This dynamic could influence the future of regional security arrangements, especially if U.S. military presence changes.