Turkey Says Saudi-Pakistan Defence Agreement Is Not Directed Against Iran

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said the recently signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is not aimed at Iran, describing the pact as defensive rather than an alliance intended to attack or eliminate another country. Fidan made the remarks during an interview with Anadolu Agency on Saturday, amid continuing tensions involving Iran and growing international concern over violence around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Fidan said Saudi Arabia does not have a strategy to attack or eliminate Iran and instead wants an end to the violence surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

His comments sought to clarify the purpose of the defence agreement and Riyadh's position on the broader regional situation. According to the Turkish foreign minister, the pact should be understood as a defensive arrangement rather than an instrument for military action against Tehran. The Mecca agreement brings together Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in a security partnership focused on mutual defence. Fidan stressed that the agreement was not designed to target Iran or any other country. His remarks come at a time when tensions in the region have raised concerns about the potential for military confrontation and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global energy shipments.

Fidan also said Saudi Arabia had communicated to the United States that military intervention against Iran would not provide a solution to the crisis. Instead, Riyadh favours dialogue and an agreement to resolve the dispute. According to the Turkish minister, Saudi officials have consistently conveyed the view that diplomatic engagement is preferable to further escalation and military action. He said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated the same position during their recent meeting in Mecca. Fidan added that the message had also been conveyed during discussions involving US President Donald Trump.

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The comments indicate that Riyadh is seeking to distance itself from any approach centred on military action against Iran, while supporting efforts aimed at reducing tensions and finding a negotiated solution. The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the regional security situation because of its importance to international energy markets and shipping. Any prolonged violence or disruption in the area could have consequences extending beyond the countries directly involved. Saudi Arabia's stated preference for ending the violence therefore reflects concerns about wider regional instability as well as the immediate security situation. Fidan's comments also underline Türkiye's position on the newly established defence partnership.

By describing the Mecca agreement as defensive and not directed against Iran, Ankara appears to be emphasising that the arrangement should not be interpreted as preparation for offensive military action. The Turkish foreign minister's remarks come as regional powers continue to assess the risks posed by tensions involving Iran and the possibility of further escalation. For now, Saudi Arabia's stated position, as conveyed by Fidan, is that dialogue and an agreement offer a more effective path than military intervention. The Turkish minister's comments also suggest that the three-country defence pact should be viewed within that broader context rather than as an attempt to isolate or eliminate Iran. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts and regional security discussions continuing as concerns persist over violence around the Strait of Hormuz.

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