TEHRAN: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has emerged as a key figure in efforts to bring Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Iran together for high-level consultations aimed at easing regional tensions and strengthening diplomatic engagement.
Senior officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are meeting Iranian leadership in Tehran on Monday under the framework of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement to discuss regional security and ongoing crises.
According to Reuters and Iranian officials, the meeting was proposed during Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Iran last week, when he held discussions with senior Iranian leadership. Iran’s Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Bagheri Kani, confirmed that the idea for the meeting had been discussed during Munir’s visit. This places the Pakistani military chief at the centre of efforts to arrange the dialogue.
Asim Munir Takes Centre Stage in Regional Diplomacy
The meeting brings together senior representatives of three countries that signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August 2026, alongside Iranian officials, at a time of heightened regional tensions.
Pakistan is represented by Field Marshal Asim Munir, Saudi Arabia by Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, and Türkiye by intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.
The talks are focused on regional security, diplomatic coordination and efforts to prevent further escalation. Iranian officials have described the consultations as a potential step towards developing regional security arrangements based on cooperation among countries in the region.
Pakistan Supports Dialogue and De-escalation
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has described the visit as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions, encourage dialogue and advance peaceful solutions to regional crises.
The ministry has also reiterated support for mediation efforts involving Pakistan and Qatar, highlighting the importance of diplomatic engagement in preventing further conflict.
Field Marshal Munir’s recent engagement with Iranian leaders has helped facilitate the current meeting, according to Iranian officials, underscoring Pakistan’s role in bringing regional stakeholders into direct discussions.
Regional Security and Wider Conflict on the Agenda
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the discussions would cover Israel’s policies, developments in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, and the consequences of US and Israeli military actions against Iran.
The meeting comes amid escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel, the United States and Yemen’s Houthi movement, alongside attacks affecting Saudi Arabia.
According to Reuters, the consultations mark the first high-level contact between Iran and all three members of the Makkah defence bloc since Saudi Arabia became more directly affected by the wider regional conflict.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in August, provides for closer defence cooperation and treats an armed attack on one member as an attack on all.
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