Regional Powers Push Security Pact as Riyadh Meeting Urges Iran to Halt Attacks

Foreign ministers of 12 Arab and Islamic states convened in Riyadh, issuing a joint statement that called on Iran to immediately halt its attacks.

“Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan meet as Ankara pushes for a security pact The foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan held talks in Riyadh on Thursday, on the sideline of a summit of Islamic countries, and discussed ways to combine their strengths for the first time”

Middle East Eye

The statement condemned Israel's expansionist policy, language Türkiye insisted on including.

Middle East Eye

The ministers emphasized that future relations with Iran depend on respecting sovereignty and non-interference.

They reaffirmed support for Lebanon's security and backed the Lebanese government's decision to limit weapons.

The foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan held talks on combining their strengths for the first time.

Turkey has been seeking a security pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia since last year, and Ankara was trying to bring Egypt in.

Türkiye Today

Fidan emphasized regional ownership: either we solve our own problems or an external hegemon will impose solutions.

The pact would serve as a platform for greater cooperation in defence and broader matters.

The Riyadh meeting addressed differing regional threat perceptions regarding Iran and Israel.

“Photo taken in the early hours of March 19, 2026 shows the site of the consultative ministerial meeting on the regional development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia”

Xinhua

Türkiye maintained a calm and prudent stance, avoiding direct accusations against Tehran.

Regional states are increasingly concerned Iran may be using them as leverage in its broader confrontation with the US.

The ministers urged Iran to refrain from measures that would close the Strait of Hormuz.