Saudi Arabia has proposed the idea of a regional non aggression pact bringing together Middle Eastern states and Iran, according to diplomatic sources cited by the Financial Times.
The British newspaper reported that the proposal emerged as part of intensive Saudi consultations with allies aimed at managing regional tensions once the current war involving the United States and the Israeli occupation against Iran comes to an end.
The initiative is said to draw inspiration from the 1975 Helsinki Accords signed between Washington, European states, the Soviet Union, and its allies, which sought to address security concerns and strengthen economic cooperation between rival powers.
Riyadh Looking to Replicate the Helsinki Framework
Saudi officials reportedly view the Helsinki model, which helped reduce Cold War tensions in Europe during the 1970s, as a potentially workable framework for the Middle East, particularly amid expectations that post war Iran could emerge in a position perceived as threatening by neighbouring states.
According to Western diplomats, the proposed non aggression pact is one of several scenarios currently under discussion. Gulf states in particular fear the possibility of facing a more hardline and hostile Islamic regime on their doorstep if the American military presence in the region declines further.
Regional Realignment After Months of War
After months of prolonged conflict, a new mood has reportedly emerged among Arab and Muslim states toward restructuring regional alliances and security arrangements.
This shift has prompted several European capitals and European Union institutions to support the Saudi initiative while encouraging other Gulf states to back the proposal.
Diplomats believe such a pact could provide the most viable path for preventing future conflicts, while simultaneously offering guarantees to Tehran that it would not itself become the target of military attacks.
At the same time, Washington and Tehran are reportedly engaged in indirect backchannel talks aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Arab Concerns Over Iran’s Military Capabilities
Despite the ongoing negotiations, discussions have reportedly remained focused exclusively on Iran’s nuclear programme, while ignoring issues related to ballistic missiles, drone capabilities, and support for regional proxy groups.
These files remain the primary source of concern for Arab states.
The Financial Times also quoted an Arab diplomat as saying that a Helsinki inspired regional pact would likely receive support from most Arab and Muslim countries, as well as from Iran itself, which has long argued that regional powers should manage the Middle East independently of Western intervention.
However, the diplomat added that the success of any such framework would depend entirely on which parties are included.
“In the current climate, it is impossible to bring Iran and the Israeli occupation together under one agreement,” the diplomat said. “But excluding Tel Aviv could also prove counterproductive, because after Iran it remains one of the largest sources of conflict in the region. Still, Iran is here to stay, and that is what is pushing Saudi Arabia forward.”
