Iran says it is not concerned by new ‘Mecca Joint Defence Agreement’
GCC News
Iran has played down the mutual security agreement signed between the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey in the Muslim holy city of Mecca on Friday.
Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, said on Monday that Tehran saw no reason to be concerned that a new security pact is directed against Iran.
Baghaei said the pact showed a “change in perception” towards the US, as well as a shift in the regional approach to security.
Regional Impact
He added that the agreement represented a shift towards greater reliance on the states’ own capabilities rather than outside powers.
“Any plan that is based on the geopolitical and historical realities of the region, is comprehensive and inclusive, and correctly identifies the enemy and the threat, has a chance of helping to strengthen security and prevent instability and abuses by the Zionist enemy and its allies,” Baghaei said.
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Many analysts have suggested that the alliance between Ankara, Riyadh and Islamabad is targeted at Tehran.
The three states have largely Sunni populations, but while Saudi Arabia has had frosty relations with Iran, Turkey and Pakistan have remained relatively cordial with Tehran.
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