Three nations head to Tehran

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan send top officials to meet Iranian leaders in Tehran on Monday. This is their first high-level contact since Saudi Arabia joined the wider Iran conflict.

Who is going to Tehran

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Turkey intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin will represent their countries at the talks.

Why tensions are rising

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia. Rhetoric between Washington and Tehran has grown more heated, and both countries have drawn up plans to restart the wider war.

The Mecca Pact alliance

Under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed in August, an armed attack on one member is considered an attack on all. Pakistan approved the pact last week; Turkey's parliament began ratification efforts.

Pakistan initiated the meeting

Field Marshal Munir visited Tehran last week and met President Masoud Pezeshkian. During that visit, Iranian officials told him there would be no talks with Washington until Tehran's demands were met.

Qatar's mediation continues

Qatari mediators met Iranian officials in Tehran on Sunday to push for de-escalation. Qatar has played a key mediating role between Tehran and Washington for months.

Saudi Arabia's stated goal

Saudi Deputy Minister Rayed Krimly said the visit is part of ongoing efforts to de-escalate the crisis, promote diplomatic solutions, and support mediation efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan.

“The visit also underscores the pivotal role of the Mecca Pact states in fostering regional security and stability, and their commitment to working with all nations in the region toward achieving this goal.”