Regional Powers Expand Defense Talks as Iran War Threatens Shipping

Efforts to contain the widening security crisis around Iran are bringing regional and European powers into closer discussions, as attacks on maritime routes and energy infrastructure increase concerns about economic disruption. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan are scheduled to meet Britain, France and Germany in Istanbul, according to Iran International on October 23, 2026, amid growing pressure to protect shipping and prevent the conflict from spreading. The talks could expand cooperation beyond existing regional consultations.

Oil prices have reached their highest level in five months, while threats linked to Iran-backed Houthi forces have intensified concerns over Saudi infrastructure and the strategic Bab al-Mandab waterway, Iran International reported. Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are members of the Mecca defense pact, under which an armed attack on one member is treated as an attack on all three. Officials from the three countries agreed on August 31 to establish a joint secretariat and strengthen defense cooperation, while their defense committee decided on October 5 to make agreed forces and military capabilities available for rapid deployment to Saudi Arabia.

Egypt is also considering military assistance to Riyadh, although it is not a member of the pact. Its parliament is scheduled to decide on October 26 whether to authorize a deployment, while Turkey is pursuing parliamentary approval of the agreement, according to Iran International.

The four regional countries, described as the R4 grouping, have consulted regularly since March following Houthi threats in Bab al-Mandab. On October 11, they condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and supported measures taken by Riyadh to address the threats. Despite the growing defense coordination, the countries continue to emphasize a diplomatic solution to the war involving Iran and the United States. Some also maintain contact with Tehran, reflecting their efforts to limit the conflict while preparing to counter threats against regional infrastructure and maritime traffic.

The emerging arrangement could allow regional governments to assume greater responsibility for protecting Saudi Arabia while the United States and Israel maintain military pressure on Iran. However, Iran International reported that the parallel approaches do not constitute a unified coalition, as the regional countries have avoided formal security arrangements with Israel. Greater involvement by Turkey and Pakistan could reduce Saudi Arabia's reliance on direct U.S. support for its defenses. The proposed cooperation is primarily intended to protect critical infrastructure and limit the effects of Houthi attacks, rather than necessarily requiring the military defeat of Iran-aligned forces.

Iran's position remains tied to its ability to influence regional shipping and support allied armed groups. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a seven-day proposal to restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had been conveyed through Qatar, with implementation conditional on Tehran's demands being met. Araghchi also said Iran was prepared to mediate between Saudi Arabia and Ansarullah, the name used for Yemen's Houthi movement, while rejecting claims that the group receives direct orders from Tehran.

These diplomatic initiatives accompany Iran's efforts to preserve leverage over regional security developments. A separate report published by Iraq's Video Agency IA described Tehran's potential objectives in a future war as extending beyond repelling military attacks. According to the report, Iran could seek to dismantle armed groups it considers threats, restrict regional support for its adversaries and end the U.S. military presence in West Asia.

The report also argued that Iran would seek to prevent neighboring countries from providing territory, airspace or military facilities for operations against it. It presented independent regional security arrangements, rather than cooperation with Iran's adversaries, as a central element of Tehran's proposed strategic direction.

Meanwhile, an opinion article published by Asharq Al-Awsat on October 23 described Iranian-backed armed groups and Israeli military operations as continuing threats to Arab states. The commentary highlighted security concerns in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen and Saudi Arabia, while arguing that regional governments should strengthen collective responses to attacks. The article cited Houthi missile and drone threats, tensions surrounding Hezbollah in Lebanon and uncertainty over the future of pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. These developments illustrate the competing security priorities facing governments as they consider closer cooperation while seeking to avoid a wider regional war.