Iran has played down the significance of a mutual security agreement signed by the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye in the Muslim holy city of Mecca on Friday.
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said on Monday that Tehran saw no reason to be concerned that the new security pact was directed against Iran.
Baghaei said the agreement reflected a “change in perception” toward the United States, as well as a broader shift in the region’s approach to security.
He added that the pact represented a move toward greater reliance on the countries’ own capabilities rather than on 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.
Several analysts have suggested that the emerging security partnership between Ankara, Riyadh and Islamabad is aimed at countering Tehran.
The three countries have predominantly Sunni Muslim populations. However, while Saudi Arabia has historically had strained relations with Iran, Türkiye and Pakistan have maintained relatively cordial ties with Tehran.
Islamabad has also played a key role in facilitating negotiations between the United States and Iran amid their prolonged confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has blockaded the waterway in response to the US and Israeli war against Iran, which was initially aimed at toppling its government.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has faced Iranian retaliatory strikes, primarily targeting US military assets stationed within the kingdom.
As the conflict has continued, hostilities have also intensified between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi-led administration in Sanaa, which controls much of northern Yemen.
The Houthis have responded to Saudi airstrikes and attacks by forces allied with Yemen’s internationally recognised government by targeting Saudi energy infrastructure.
Most recently, a Saudi Aramco refinery in Jizan province was engulfed in widespread fires after a drone strike early Sunday. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack.
Relations between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have improved in recent years following a period of tension triggered by the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, as well as their support for rival factions in conflicts such as Libya.
Pakistan, meanwhile, has long been a military partner of Saudi Arabia while seeking to maintain friendly relations with other Muslim-majority countries, including Iran.
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