Iran, Saudi Arabia And Pakistan: Could A New Defence Alliance Reshape West Asia?

Tehran: A major change may be seen in the politics and security system of West Asia in the coming days. Reports have claimed that Iran has been offered to join the alleged joint defence agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, which is being called the 'Makkah Pact'. However, this claim has not yet been officially confirmed by any concerned country.

This news is also considered important because Saudi Arabia and Iran have been regional rivals for a long time. If Iran actually becomes a part of this security arrangement, the strategic equations of West Asia may change.

Who proposed Iran join the 'Makkah Pact'?

According to the report, this claim has come to light quoting Mehdi Rahimi, an official associated with the Iranian Parliament's news agency Khaneh Mellat. He reportedly said that Iran has received a proposal to join the agreement and Tehran is considering it.

According to Rahimi, many countries in the region are now moving towards increasing mutual cooperation regarding their security and creating a new regional security system.

What is the so-called 'Makkah Pact'?

The report claimed that Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey had signed a joint defence agreement in Mecca on August 7. Its main objective is said to be to strengthen security and military cooperation among the member countries.

Under the said agreement, the situation of armed attack on any one member country can be considered as a matter related to the collective security of all the partner countries. In this, it has been said that there will be emphasis on military cooperation, joint exercises and increasing partnership in the defence sector.

Is this agreement being compared to NATO?

According to reports, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan compared its collective security provision to a principle like NATO's Article 5. However, it has also been said on behalf of the concerned countries that the purpose of any regional security arrangement is not to target any one country.

Why is Iran's possible entry considered important?

Iran has not previously shown complete opposition to the idea of security cooperation among regional countries. On August 10, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai reportedly said that regional countries should develop strong and independent systems for their security.
In such a situation, the news of Iran receiving the proposal to join is not being considered completely unexpected. However, without official confirmation it cannot be called a final decision.

How did the relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran change?

There has been tension and regional competition between Saudi Arabia and Iran for years. The interests of the two countries differ from each other on many issues of Yemen and the Gulf region. But in 2023, after China's mediation, the two countries restored diplomatic relations, which marked the beginning of improvement in relations.

Now if Iran actually joins this alleged defense deal, it could be another major turning point in the relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The most important thing at the moment is that none of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey have officially confirmed a formal invitation to Iran.