Pakistan military signals cautious optimism on Iran‑US mediation
Pakistan's military spokesperson says the army is cautiously optimistic about its role in mediating between Iran and the United States, after Field Marshal Asim Munir's second visit to Tehran this month with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin. The visit follows the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed on 7 Aug by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, which pledges collective defence and allows new members, potentially Iran. Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei stresses that regional security should be handled by regional states without external interference, while Pakistan notes any troop deployment to Saudi Arabia would require political approval.
Key facts
- The army chief's latest Tehran visit occurred on Monday, 30 Oct, with Saudi and Turkish officials.
- The defence pact was signed on 7 Aug by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
- The pact's language permits additional members, opening the possibility for Iran to join.
- Analysts view the agreement as a response to the Iran‑US confrontation.
- Pakistan's spokesperson declined to disclose discussion details or US involvement in the Tehran trip.
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Why it matters
The talks could shape regional dynamics amid heightened Iran‑US tensions.
What changed
First published from The Straits Times, Dawn, Middle East Eye, Al-Monitor and Al Jazeera English