Turkiye Says Mecca Pact Not Aimed at Iran
Türkiye has said its new trilateral defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is not directed against Iran or any other country, as questions grow over how the new regional security arrangement could reshape military cooperation across the Middle East.
Türkiye Says Defence Pact Not Against Iran
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement does not identify Iran or any other state as a common threat.
The pact was signed on August 7 by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Fidan said preparations for the agreement had been under way for nearly two years and eight months, rejecting suggestions that it was created specifically in response to recent tensions involving Iran.
Mecca Pact Includes Mutual Defence Clause
The agreement contains a collective-defence provision under which an armed attack against one of the three countries would be considered an attack against all.
However, military assistance would not necessarily be automatic. The country facing an attack would request support and specify what assistance it required, potentially including intelligence, logistics, ammunition or military forces.
The three countries also plan joint military training, intelligence sharing, threat assessments and greater defence-industry cooperation.
Iran Questions New Regional Alliance
The agreement has received a cautious response from Iran, with some Iranian lawmakers questioning whether the new alliance can provide Saudi Arabia with greater security.
Türkiye has presented the pact as part of a broader effort for regional countries to take greater responsibility for their own security rather than relying heavily on external powers.
Ankara also wants the alliance to eventually expand beyond its three founding members, with Egypt identified as a potential future participant.
