Iran not concerned about Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact: Baqaei

Iran is not concerned that the new defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey is aimed at Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday.

The three countries signed the security agreement in Mecca on Friday, August 7.

Speaking about the pact on Monday, Baghaei said it reflected a shift in regional countries’ approach to the United States and pointed to a new regional security strategy based more on their own capabilities rather than dependence on outside powers.

“There is no reason to believe that the agreement is aimed at Iran,” he said, adding that initiatives based on the region’s geopolitical and historical realities and involving all countries could help strengthen regional security.

Some analysts, however, believe the new partnership could be intended partly to counter Iran. While relations between Tehran and Riyadh have historically been tense, Iran maintains relatively closer ties with Turkey and Pakistan.

The agreement comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States over the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan has played a mediating role in the tensions, while Iran says it imposed a blockade on the strategic waterway in response to US and Israeli attacks.

The pact also comes as regional tensions involving Saudi Arabia, Iran and Yemen’s Houthi authorities continue to escalate.

SKS