On Monday, October 26, officials from Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan convened in Tehran, following an initiative by Islamabad, to discuss preventing the spread of conflict in the Middle East. While the nations involved have varying priorities—such as Pakistan’s need for energy security, Iran’s struggle against US sanctions, Saudi Arabia’s defense against Houthi attacks, and Turkey’s desire to prevent regional instability—they all seek to avoid further escalation. The meeting concluded without concrete outcomes, though participants agreed to continue diplomatic channels. Islamabad acted as a key intermediary, highlighting the intricacies of the Mecca defense pact, signed in August 2026. The future success of these efforts hinges on the security of the Strait of Hormuz and potential mediation between Tehran and Washington.