Iran says Pak-Saudi-Turkiye deal shows 'change in perception' towards US

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated on Monday that the defense pact signed between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey signals a shift in regional countries' perceptions of the United States. The agreement, signed in Makkah on Friday, aims to enhance collective defense and empowers signatory states to consider an attack against one of them as an attack against all.

Baqaei emphasized that this development reflects a change in regional countries' view of security, which cannot be bought from unreliable sources. He highlighted Iran's strong historical, religious, and civilizational ties with Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, asserting that relying on the US for security is no longer a viable option.

Baqaei also mentioned that any security plan based on regional realities, threats, and objectives has a better chance of ensuring security and preventing instability. When asked about Iran's potential participation, Baqaei reiterated that Iran has always advocated for security mechanisms based on regional cooperation and free from foreign interference.

He emphasized that the Makkah agreement is open to any regional country willing to uphold its principles and is purely defensive, consistent with the UN Charter's collective self-defense right.