Pakistan, Oct. 27 -- Pakistan's proposal for a four-country security meeting brought an unusual gathering to Tehran on Monday. Field Marshal Asim Munir sat with Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin across from Iran's security leadership, while President Masoud Pezeshkian urged regional unity. The statement issued afterwards promised continued consultations on peace and security. For all its brevity, it marked a welcome departure from the language of threats that has lately dominated the region.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye signed the Makkah mutual defence pact in August. With Iran-aligned Houthis striking Saudi airports and energy facilities, the pact might easily have become ...