Iran has denied receiving an invitation to join the newly formed Mecca defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, contradicting an earlier report from a Lebanon-based media outlet. The development comes as Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir arrives in Tehran for talks aimed at easing regional tensions and helping revive stalled US-Iran negotiations.
Iran Denies Receiving Invitation
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that Tehran had not received an invitation to join the Mecca pact. He added, however, that proposals had been made for discussions with Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan on regional security issues. The clarification came after Mehdi Rahimi, head of the Iranian Parliament’s Khaneh Mellat news agency, was reported as saying that Iran had been invited to join the agreement and that the proposal was under consideration by the Iranian leadership. The reported invitation had not been officially confirmed by the pact’s three members.
Asim Munir in Tehran for Talks
Against this backdrop, Field Marshal Asim Munir is visiting Tehran as Pakistan steps up its diplomatic role between Iran and the United States. Iranian officials said the visit is aimed at advancing peace and regional stability, while Pakistani sources said discussions will include the stalled US-Iran talks and recent regional developments. Munir’s visit could provide an important diplomatic channel as Tehran faces mounting pressure over US sanctions and wider regional security tensions.
What Is the Mecca Defence Agreement?
Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on August 7. Under the pact, an armed attack against one of the three countries is to be treated as an attack against all three, while the members have pledged deeper defence cooperation and collective security coordination. The agreement has been described as a major regional security initiative, although its members have stressed that it is not directed against any particular country. Pakistan has also said the pact remains open to other countries in the region.
Shamshad Ali is a New Delhi–based journalist with over six years of experience spanning breaking news writing, on-the-ground reporting, and editing. When he isn’t chasing headlines, Shamshad is usually exploring new destinations, discovering hidden culinary gems, and striking up conversations with strangers. Many of whom turn out to be great sources, and even better friends. He can be reached at shamshadali.dar@gmail.com.
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