Iran has criticised the Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact, warning Riyadh that a “paper agreement” with foreign powers will not guarantee lasting security amid rising Middle East tensions.
Iran has criticised the new defence pact signed between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, arguing that it is not going to provide permanent security to Riyadh. This statement followed the signing of a joint defence pact by three countries on Friday, August 7, in Mecca amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Ebrahim Rezaei, a member of Iran’s Parliament and its National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, criticised the agreement in a post on X.
Rezaei said Saudi Arabia should understand that a “paper agreement” with Turkey and Pakistan would not bring security to the country. He also referred to Riyadh’s long-standing security partnership with the United States, arguing that relying on Washington had not provided Saudi Arabia with lasting security.
The Iranian lawmaker urged Saudi Arabia to reconsider its policies and avoid depending on foreign powers for its security.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement was signed on Friday by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The agreement aims to bolster defence cooperation and coordination among the three countries. The signing of this agreement takes place amid prevailing tensions in the region and as Middle Eastern countries reevaluate their security arrangements.
This agreement involves the participation of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, which happen to be three strategically placed countries with military and economic power.
A key provision of the agreement states that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all three.
It is expected that the collective defence clause will help enhance deterrence and coordination in dealing with possible security challenges to the countries.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the agreement builds on the countries’ historical ties, Islamic solidarity and shared strategic interests. The pact is also expected to provide a framework for expanded cooperation in defence and security.
The agreement comes against backdrop of growing security concerns in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has previously faced drone and missile attacks targeting its territory and critical infrastructure, including attacks attributed to Iran-backed groups in the region.
Riyadh has increasingly sought to strengthen its relationships with multiple strategic partners while reducing dependence on any single country for its security needs.
The new agreement with Turkey and Pakistan could therefore provide Saudi Arabia with an additional layer of defence cooperation and strategic support.
Iran’s response highlights the wider geopolitical significance of the agreement. Tehran and Riyadh have had a complicated security relationship, despite efforts in recent years to improve diplomatic ties.
Iran’s criticism also comes at a time when tensions involving Tehran and other regional and international powers remain high.
This response to the Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact is expected to be closely watched across the region, particularly as three countries begin implementing their new defence commitments.
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