Iran Considers Joining Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey Mecca Defence Pact

Iran has reportedly been invited to join the Mecca Agreement for Mutual Defence, a new regional security alliance formed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. The invitation, disclosed by Iranian MP Mehdi Rahimi, is under review in Tehran. The pact, signed on August 7, treats attacks on any member as an attack on all. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan likened it to NATO’s Article 5 but denied targeting Iran. Saudi Arabia and Iran normalized ties in 2023 via Chinese mediation, though tensions persist over Syria and Yemen. Pakistan’s army chief is due in Tehran amid broader regional diplomatic moves.