Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson says Tehran has no reason to fear the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement could target Iran.
TEHRAN, Iran – Web Desk: Iran has described the new defence agreement between Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia as a sign of changing regional perceptions of the United States, while saying Tehran has no reason to believe the pact is directed against Iran.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei made the remarks on Monday during his weekly press briefing, days after the three countries signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
Baqaei said countries in the region had increasingly recognised that their security could not continue to depend on guarantees from the United States.
He said the development reflected a broader change in how regional states view Washington’s role as a security provider.
Iran says pact is not a threat
Despite its criticism of US security policies, Tehran said it was not concerned that the new agreement could be aimed at Iran.
Baqaei pointed to what he described as deep religious, historical and civilisational ties between Iran and the three signatories.
He said there was no reason for Iran to worry that the agreement had been concluded against Tehran.
The comments come amid heightened regional tensions following months of conflict between Iran and the United States, which have also affected surrounding countries and disrupted regional shipping routes.
What does the Makkah defence agreement say?
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the agreement at a summit in Makkah on Friday.
Under the pact, an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all three, establishing a collective-deterrence framework among the signatories.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the agreement is intended to strengthen collective security and promote peace, security and stability in the region and beyond.
The agreement also provides for expanded defence cooperation across multiple areas between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.
The pact has attracted considerable regional attention because of the ongoing security tensions in the Middle East and questions over the future role of external powers in regional security arrangements.
Ishaq Dar discusses pact with regional counterparts
Separately, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held telephone conversations with several foreign counterparts regarding the newly signed agreement.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Dar spoke with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who congratulated him on the signing of the Makkah agreement.
Dar also discussed regional developments with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
The Foreign Office said Dar subsequently spoke with officials from Canada and Congo to brief them on the contours of the trilateral defence agreement.
The latest diplomatic exchanges come as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye seek to deepen security coordination while regional tensions continue to reshape the Middle East’s strategic landscape.
