Mecca Pact nations, Iran agree to continue dialogue on regional peace

The meeting, the first of its kind among the four countries, was hosted by Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei, and attended by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization Director Ibrahim Kalin, a statement issued after the meeting said.

"The participants agreed to continue discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation among the four regional countries, including in the realm of peace and security in the region," the statement said.

Speaking at a separate meeting with the senior officials from the Mecca Defense Alliance countries on Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran supports any understanding that leads to unity, solidarity, security and development in the region, according to a statement published on the website of his office.

Pezeshkian accused Israel of committing "acts of violence and widespread crimes" in West Asia with "U.S. support," urging Muslim states to guard against "interventionist and divisive" moves and play an active role in regional stability.

He reiterated that Iran does not seek to develop nuclear weapons and wants to continue its nuclear activities within the framework of its international rights and obligations.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia called for negotiations to end the ongoing regional crisis and prevent renewed military escalation ahead of a visit to Tehran by Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and representatives of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement countries.

In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit would form part of continued efforts by the agreement's member countries to de-escalate tensions, encourage dialogue and advance diplomatic solutions.

The ministry said the talks also support ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia expressed hope that all parties involved in the crisis would respond positively and constructively to the outcomes of the planned visit and the continuing mediation efforts.

The Kingdom stressed the importance of opening channels for negotiations to prevent a return to military escalation and pave the way for an agreement that would end the crisis and promote regional and international peace and security.

The ministry reaffirmed the pivotal role of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement countries in strengthening regional security and stability and working with other countries to achieve peace.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye on Aug. 7 signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, under which an attack on one member is seen as an attack on all, reports UNB.