LONDON: Saudi Arabia has discussed the idea of a Middle East non-aggression pact with Iran as part of efforts to manage regional tensions after the end of the US-Israel war with Tehran, according to foreign diplomats cited by the Financial Times.
While the report contained no Saudi confirmation, it said Riyadh is considering a model inspired by the 1975 Helsinki Accords, which aimed to reduce tensions and boost cooperation between rival powers during the Cold War.
According to the FT, European countries and EU institutions support the proposal and are encouraging Gulf states to back it as a way to prevent future conflict and provide Iran with security guarantees.
The discussions come as Gulf states fear a weakened but more aggressive Iran could continue to pose a threat to the region after the war. The report also said Arab states remain concerned over Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, as well as regional instability involving Israel, Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.
The FT added that Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt are deepening defense and economic cooperation following the conflict, while Pakistan has proposed expanding its defense pact with Riyadh to include Qatar and Turkiye.
