Iran ‘invited’ to join Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi Arabia's Mecca defence pact; report says proposal being ‘considered’

Head of the Iranian Parliament news agency, Mehdi Rahimi, reportedly revealed information about the official invitation to Tehran to join the Mecca agreement.

Updated on: Aug 23, 2026, 22:57:55 IST

Edited by Anushka Awasthi

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Iran has reportedly received an official invitation to join the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, a pact previously established by Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

Tehran reportedly received an invitation to join the Mecca defence pact. (File Photo/Reuters)

Mehdi Rahimi, head of the Iranian Parliament news agency, informed about the invitation, Al Mayadeen reported on Saturday.

The official also revealed that the proposal is under consideration.

Also Read | Decoding real scope of Saudi, Turkey, and Pakistan’s Mecca pact: New ‘NATO of East?’

Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia sign defence pact

Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia signed a joint defence agreement on August 7.

According to a statement published by Pakistan's foreign ministry and the official Saudi press agency, the countries announced the signing of the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” AFP reported.

The pact stipulates that an armed attack on any one of the countries would be considered an attack on all three.

Also Read | Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan sign defence pact: What the agreement means

Meanwhile, after it was signed, US President Donald Trump welcomed the step and said that he was pleased by it.

He wrote on Truth Social, "Very happy to see that Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have recently, and finally, signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement."

"It shows how the Middle East is coming together, and how Countries will finally be able to defend themselves in a more meaningful way," he added, calling it a "BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP."

This development came amid regional tensions in the Middle East as friction between the US and Iran continues.

Also Read | Bangladesh exploring ‘Islamic NATO’: Why joining Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi Arabia's Mecca pact may make sense to Dhaka

Bangladesh open to joining the defence pact?

In an interview on Friday with the Bangla service of state-run BSS, newly appointed state minister for foreign affairs Humayun Kobir said Dhaka is maintaining "positive approach" towards joining the pact.

"Bangladesh maintains a positive approach towards the possibility of joining an economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye, taking into account its own interests and the changing dynamics of the global economy and trade," he said.

Also Read | EAM downplays Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi defence pact: ‘What has it done amid live military situations in these countries?’

According to news agency PTI, he also said that Bangladesh would also strengthen bilateral ties with Pakistan through diplomatic engagement.

(with inputs from agencies)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anushka Awasthi
Anushka Awasthi is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times, where she covers politics, geopolitics, and major national and international developments. She holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi. Passionate about India's political landscape, Anushka believes that politics shapes every aspect of society, from public policy to everyday life. This drives her to deliver timely, accurate, and researched news that helps readers make sense of everyday developments. Before joining Hindustan Times, Anushka worked with the Zee News English website, reporting extensively on Indian politics and international affairs. During her tenure, she also wrote a range of interviews and analytical stories, focusing on key political and international affairs events. Her reporting is driven by a strong interest in journalism and a dedication to balanced reporting. She strives to present news with clarity and context in the digital era. She aims to ensure that readers stay informed about issues that matter. Outside the newsroom, she enjoys planning her next travel adventure to various corners of India, reading classical books, and binging sitcoms. A coffee enthusiast, she is always on the lookout for new places and experiences.Read More

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