Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says discussions in Tehran focused mainly on Saudi Arabia’s security, with regional leaders also exploring diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and prevent a wider conflict.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the security situation in Saudi Arabia was the main focus of recent diplomatic discussions in Tehran, where senior officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Iran met to explore ways to ease regional tensions.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath on October 26, Asif said the meeting was primarily concerned with developments affecting Saudi Arabia, although the wider tensions involving the United States and Iran were also likely discussed.
The talks brought together Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and senior Iranian officials.
The four countries agreed to continue dialogue aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, peace and security. The meeting came amid escalating Houthi attacks targeting Saudi territory and growing concerns about a wider regional confrontation.
Asif expresses cautious optimism over peace efforts
Asif said he believed the Tehran discussions had made some progress and expressed hope that the diplomatic initiative could help bring the ongoing conflict to an end.
He remained cautious about the outcome, however, indicating that greater clarity would emerge as Iran and the other participating countries issued further statements about the discussions.
The defence minister also acknowledged that the possibility of further US involvement in the region would likely have been discussed during the meeting.
His remarks followed renewed diplomatic engagement involving countries seeking to contain the conflict and prevent further escalation. The discussions reflect growing regional concerns over attacks on infrastructure, maritime security and the wider economic consequences of continued hostilities.
Pakistan reiterates commitment to Saudi security
Asif also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s defence, describing the kingdom’s security as a major priority for Islamabad.
He referred to the Makkah Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, saying the participating countries had commitments to support one another against foreign aggression covered by the agreement.
The minister’s comments come as Saudi Arabia faces continued security threats linked to the conflict in Yemen. The attacks have raised concerns about the safety of critical infrastructure and the potential impact on regional stability.
Pakistan has continued to engage with regional partners in diplomatic efforts intended to reduce tensions. Asif credited the country’s leadership with helping advance these initiatives and said he hoped the latest talks would lead to concrete steps towards peace.
Despite the cautious optimism expressed by the minister, no comprehensive peace agreement or final settlement was announced following the Tehran meeting.
Further diplomatic discussions are expected as the participating countries seek ways to address the conflict and reduce the risk of a broader regional war.
