Turkey says Iran not target of pact with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan

Turkey's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, clarified Saturday that the newly announced defense pact between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan is not directed at any specific nation, including Iran. Speaking during an interview with Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency, Fidan emphasized that the agreement, known as the “Mecca Joint Defense Agreement,” is designed to enhance collective security and deterrence rather than serve as a tool for targeting any particular state. The agreement, signed in the Saudi holy city of Mecca on Friday, establishes a framework where an attack on one of the three signatories is treated as an attack on all. Fidan stated that while the pact shares similarities with NATO’s Article 5, under which an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, the specifics of the arrangement remain flexible and open-ended. He noted that the trio has not formalized any definition of a common threat, nor have they outlined any targets. “We don’t have anything written down, nothing we’ve signed, that defines a common threat. Any country that does not attack us is not a target for us,” he said. According to Fidan, the pact had been in the works for two years prior to the recent escalation of tensions linked to the war in Iran. The agreement brings together Saudi Arabia’s vast oil reserves, Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, and Turkey’s formidable military strength, which ranks as the second-largest in NATO. The alliance aims to bolster defense cooperation through enhanced intelligence sharing, logistical support, and potential military coordination in case of an emergency. The formation of the pact follows a series of attacks attributed to Iran-backed groups, particularly the Yemeni Houthi rebels, who have targeted Saudi Arabian naval vessels in the southern Red Sea. These strikes occurred as part of a broader shift in maritime traffic following the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran. The Red Sea route has since become a critical alternative for global trade, making it a focal point of strategic concern. Fidan acknowledged that the new alliance will soon face its first real test, as Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure continues to come under fire from Iranian-linked militants. In late July, U.S. forces reportedly intercepted an Iranian missile barrage and collaborated with Saudi authorities to strike locations associated with these militant groups. Such incidents underscore the heightened risks facing the region and the urgency of strengthening collective defenses. The agreement also includes provisions for regular high-level meetings involving the foreign and defense ministers of the three nations, along with their respective military leaders. A secretariat is expected to be established in Saudi Arabia to oversee the implementation of the pact. Fidan hinted that additional countries may join the alliance, citing Egypt as a likely candidate given its geographical proximity and historical ties to the region. While the pact is framed as a measure to promote regional stability, it reflects the complex dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics, where alliances often evolve in response to shifting threats and strategic interests. As the alliance moves forward, its effectiveness and scope will depend on the willingness of all parties to uphold the commitments made and adapt to emerging challenges.