Makkah Pact States Hold Iran Talks as Saudi Arabia Reports Houthi Attacks

Senior representatives from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye held talks with Iranian officials in Tehran on October 26, as regional tensions continued and the Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting missiles and drones aimed at Saudi Arabia.

The visit brought officials from the three countries that signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement together with Iranian leaders. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said the visit was intended to help reduce tensions, encourage dialogue and support mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan.

Four countries agree to continue talks

The Associated Press reported that the four countries agreed to continue discussions on regional cooperation, particularly peace and security. It said Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia were among the subjects raised, citing two regional officials who were not authorized to speak publicly.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country supported agreements aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and resolving differences, according to AP. No date or venue for another meeting was announced.

Coalition reports missile and drone interceptions

Separately, the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted three ballistic missiles directed toward Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region and four drones aimed at the Southern Region. Reuters reported that Saudi Civil Defense issued early-warning alerts and later said the danger had passed.

The interception report came amid continued attacks involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. The coalition’s account of the launches and interceptions has been attributed to its statements.

Diplomatic efforts continue amid regional tensions

Saudi Arabia said the Tehran visit was part of efforts by Makkah Joint Defence Agreement countries to de-escalate the crisis and promote diplomatic solutions. AP reported that the parties agreed to continue talks, but no specific follow-up meeting was announced.

Key points

• Officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye met Iranian representatives in Tehran on October 26.
• Saudi Arabia described the visit as an effort to reduce tensions and support diplomacy.
• AP reported that regional peace and security were discussed and that the four countries agreed to continue talks.
• The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted three ballistic missiles and four drones aimed at Saudi regions.
• No date for a further meeting was announced.