nvitation for Iran to Join Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey ‘Mecca Pact’? Major News Emerges

New Delhi. A significant development has emerged in West Asian politics that is considered crucial for the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran. According to reports, Iran has been invited to join the ‘Mecca Pact’ established between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. However, there has been no official confirmation of this news from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, or Turkey so far.

This claim was made on Saturday in an Al Mayadeen report, citing Mehdi Rahimi, the head of the Iranian parliament’s news agency, ‘Khaneh Mellat’. According to Rahimi, Tehran has received a proposal to join the Mecca agreement and is currently considering it. He stated that regional nations are moving towards establishing a collective security arrangement.

Why is Iran’s potential inclusion alongside Saudi Arabia significant?

Iran and Saudi Arabia have long been rivals in West Asia. Consequently, news of Iran potentially joining a Saudi-led defense pact is being viewed as a major development.

However, this cannot yet be considered a final decision. None of the concerned nations have officially confirmed that an invitation has been extended to Iran.

What is the ‘Mecca Pact’?

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed a joint defense agreement in Mecca on August 7. Under this pact, an armed attack on any one of the three nations would be treated as an attack on all three.

The agreement aims to strengthen mutual security and defense cooperation. It outlines plans to enhance military coordination, joint exercises, and collaboration within the defense industry. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan compared the agreement’s collective defense provision to NATO’s Article 5. However, all three nations have clarified that the agreement is not directed against any specific country. Iran Had Not Objected to the Mecca Pact

Iran did not openly oppose the Mecca agreement when it was first announced. On August 10, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Tehran saw no cause for concern regarding the agreement. He acknowledged the right of regional nations to strengthen their own security arrangements.

Given this context, reports of Iran now being included in this arrangement are not entirely unexpected. However, if Iran does indeed become a part of it, it would mark a significant shift in regional diplomacy.

Long-standing Rivalry Between Saudi Arabia and Iran

Saudi Arabia and Iran have long been at odds over regional dominance. The two nations have frequently supported opposing sides in various conflicts across West Asia, including in Yemen. While Saudi Arabia backs the internationally recognized government in Yemen, Iran has maintained ties with the Houthi rebels. However, the two countries restored diplomatic relations in 2023 through Chinese mediation, leading to some improvement in their ties.

Consequently, if the reports regarding Iran joining the ‘Mecca Pact’ prove accurate, it could signal a major shift in Saudi-Iranian relations and the security strategy of the entire West Asia region. For now, the matter remains limited to these reports, and official confirmation is awaited.