Representatives of 'Mecca Agreement' Countries Discuss De-escalation and Reaching an Agreement to End the Crisis in Tehran

Delegations from the member states of the Mecca Agreement for Joint Defense held a meeting in Tehran yesterday with Iranian officials to discuss ways to de-escalate tensions and enhance the security and stability of the region.

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, who leads the Kingdom’s delegation, chaired the meeting. Also in attendance were Turkish Intelligence Agency Head Ibrahim Kalin, Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir, and Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary General Major General Mohsen Rezaee.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Continuing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s role in establishing regional and international dialogue and peace, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the visit by His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, and representatives of the Mecca Agreement for Joint Defense member states to the Iranian capital, Tehran, to meet with senior Iranian officials, is part of the ongoing efforts by the Mecca Agreement states to de-escalate tensions among the parties to the current crisis, encourage dialogue and diplomatic solutions, and support mediation efforts undertaken by the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”

The ministry, in the statement relayed by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), expressed the Kingdom’s hope that “the parties to the crisis will respond positively and constructively to the outcomes of this visit and to the continuous efforts of Qatar and Pakistan, contributing to resolving the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy. It stressed the importance of opening negotiation channels to prevent a return to military escalation in the region and to pave the way for an agreement that ends the crisis and achieves security and peace in the region and the world.”

The Kingdom reiterated “the pivotal role of the Mecca Agreement states in ensuring the security and stability of the region and working with all countries to guarantee peace in the region and the world.”

During the reception of the three delegations, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of holding such meetings and talks among countries in the region, stressing that “Iran supports any understanding that would enhance unity, cohesion, security, and development in the region.” He noted that Islamic countries, by relying on their shared capabilities, are capable of presenting a model to the world for justice and development.

The Iranian presidency stated that “Pezeshkian emphasized during the meeting his readiness to deepen cooperation and resolve differences,” adding that he hoped the presence of representatives from important and influential countries at this meeting would enhance regional unity and cohesion. He said, “Our goal is to strengthen fraternal relations with regional countries and ensure the dignity of our peoples in the region.”

For its part, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that “Tehran’s hosting of the quadrilateral meeting constitutes an important step in the path of regional diplomacy and enhances opportunities for consultation and cooperation on issues of common security.”

In a related development, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that there is an opportunity to reach understandings regarding ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s nuclear file peacefully. Guterres expressed his “willingness to make all necessary efforts and take all possible steps to prevent the escalation of tensions or a return to the cycle of conflict.”

The Secretary-General considered it “urgent to put an end to any escalation” in the Middle East.

Speaking at a press conference in Cairo alongside Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty after meeting President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Guterres responded to a question about the possibility of reaching an agreement between Washington and Tehran by stating that “the repercussions would be unimaginable, and their impact would extend far beyond the region’s borders.”