Tehran talks end without agreement as Saudi-led coalition intercepts missiles
Delegations from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey and Iran concluded their Tehran meeting without reaching a deal, and hours later the Saudi-led coalition shot down three ballistic missiles and four drones launched by the Houthis. The talks, held on 26 Oct under the Mecca Defence Alliance signed in August 2026, involved Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, while Iran was represented by Mohsen Rezaei and Abbas Araghchi. The meeting aimed to discuss regional security amid the ongoing Israeli‑US war.
Key facts
- The Mecca pact obliges members to assist each other if attacked, linking Saudi financial power, Pakistani nuclear capability and Turkish defence industry.
- Iran said it lacked leverage over the Houthis to stop attacks on Saudi Arabia.
- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson called the meeting a step toward regional security mechanisms.
- Saudi Deputy Minister Rayed Krimly said the alliance aims to de‑escalate and support mediation by Qatar and Pakistan.
- President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran supports any understanding that strengthens unity among Islamic nations.
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Why it matters
The talks show regional powers seeking diplomatic solutions to curb Houthi attacks and broader Middle East tensions.
What changed
First published from RTÉ News, The Independent, ABC News (US), Al-Monitor and Anadolu Agency