Lavrov says bringing Iran into a broader regional security framework could help strengthen stability in the Gulf
WEB DESK: Russia has backed the possible inclusion of Iran in the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov saying Tehran’s participation could contribute to greater regional stability.
Lavrov made the remarks while addressing students and faculty at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), according to Turkey’s Anadolu news agency.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7, 2026. The agreement provides a framework for collective security and defence cooperation among the three countries.
Russia supports broader regional security framework
Lavrov said Russia had proposed more than two decades ago that Gulf states, including Arab countries and Iran, work toward developing a regional security concept.
He said Moscow’s earlier proposal focused on facilitating dialogue, addressing mutual concerns and establishing confidence-building measures among regional countries.
According to Lavrov, such discussions could involve the Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
He also pointed to the normalisation of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, saying the process followed a Chinese initiative that Russia had actively encouraged.
Iran could be considered for Makkah pact
Discussing the possible expansion of the Makkah framework, Lavrov said its proponents had indicated that membership could remain open to countries beyond the Gulf.
He cited Egypt as one country frequently mentioned as a possible participant and said Algeria’s involvement could also have a positive effect if it expressed interest.
Lavrov described agreement on terms for Iran’s participation as a potentially practical step toward the broader regional security model Moscow has advocated.
However, Iran has not been announced as a member of the Makkah defence pact. Lavrov was speaking about the possibility of expanding the framework.
Moscow says it would not seek leadership role
Lavrov also said Russia would not seek a leading role in any regional security arrangement.
His comments come as regional powers seek stronger security cooperation amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, with the conflict also affecting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Makkah agreement has already begun developing institutional mechanisms. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye held the first meeting of the agreement’s Strategic Political and Defence Committee in Istanbul on August 31.
The three countries subsequently agreed to further institutionalise their cooperation, establish a secretariat in Saudi Arabia and strengthen defence-industry and technology cooperation.
Pakistan says pact is defensive
Pakistan has previously stressed that the Makkah agreement is defensive in nature and is not directed against any particular country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the agreement was intended to strengthen collective deterrence and promote regional peace, stability and prosperity.
The pact states that an armed attack against any one of its three members will be regarded as an attack against all, consistent with the right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
