Influential Muslim Countries Take Right Steps to End War

Senior representatives of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan held an important meeting with Iran in Tehran on Monday to prevent a renewed all-out war in the Middle East and maintain regional peace and security. The representatives agreed to continue discussions to strengthen regional cooperation.

According to a press release cited by Fars News Agency, the meeting was productive. The participants pledged to work together to strengthen relations and cooperation among the four countries.

Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the meeting aimed to strengthen regional security. Saudi Arabia was represented by Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, while Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organisation chief, Ibrahim Kalin, also attended.

The visit was part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further instability in the Middle East. Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed a joint defence agreement known as the “Mecca Pact”. This was their first high-level joint meeting with Iran.

The meeting came amid renewed clashes between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis and concerns about possible US and Israeli attacks on Iran after next week’s US midterm elections.

Against this backdrop, the meeting was a welcome initiative. It offers a realistic approach to addressing the crisis, and we welcome it.

Muslim countries have long faced wars, attacks and divisions. The latest initiative by influential Muslim nations has raised hopes for greater unity and could strengthen the Muslim world.

The United States and Israel have suffered a severe defeat in the war against Iran. Israel, relying on US military power, believed Iran could be destroyed in a single night. Iran, however, resisted their combined strength. After their defeat, the two countries are seeking a way to withdraw while saving face, even as they claim victory.

Following the US midterm elections, Washington is threatening and planning fresh attacks on Iran. Meanwhile, the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has destabilised the Middle East. Analysts have warned that the war could spread to Africa and become more devastating.

The Mecca Alliance’s engagement with Iran to stabilise the region is therefore a positive development.

Saudi Arabia has traditionally maintained close ties with the United States in arms purchases and trade. However, it has failed to prevent Houthi attacks and has not received the expected support from US allies.

Observers argue that countries cannot win wars or ensure their security by relying on others or hiring mercenary forces. Saudi Arabia’s dependence on external powers has left it without adequate support in times of danger. Its apparent recognition of this reality is a positive development.

The participation of Mohammed bin Salman, one of Saudi Arabia’s most powerful figures, in the talks with Iran could help halt the conflict and stabilise the Middle East. The presence of senior representatives from Pakistan and Türkiye also sends a message to the United States and Israel that these countries want peace, not war.

For years, the United States and its allies have waged prolonged wars in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Afghanistan and other parts of the Middle East, devastating these countries and deepening divisions among Muslim nations.

The latest war launched by the United States and Israel with the aim of destroying Iran in a single night has exposed the limits of their military power. The conflict has challenged Washington’s claim to global military supremacy. The war has reportedly strained US weapons stockpiles and resources. The United States has also struggled to prevent Houthi attacks on its warships.

Looking at the history of war, the United States has failed to secure lasting victories in its military campaigns. After fighting in Afghanistan for 20 years, it was forced to withdraw. Now, after launching the war against Iran, it is again seeking a way out.

The meeting between Iran and influential Muslim countries to end the war and restore peace to the Middle East is a welcome step. Pakistan and Qatar had already been involved in mediation efforts involving the United States and Iran. The latest meeting between Iran and the Mecca Alliance has raised hopes internationally.

We believe this is the right path towards ending the war. It could help restore stability in the Middle East, bring influential Muslim countries closer together and strengthen goodwill and brotherhood across the Muslim world.