US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Tensions in the Middle East continue to generate strong political reactions after Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed a trilateral defense agreement in Mecca. An Iranian lawmaker has criticized the newly signed pact, describing it as a “paper agreement” that, according to him, would not provide Saudi Arabia with lasting security. Meanwhile, Turkish and Saudi officials have rejected suggestions that the agreement is aimed at any specific country or linked to nuclear ambitions.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Iranian Lawmaker Criticizes Mecca Defense Agreement
Ebrahim Rezaei, a member of Iran’s parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, criticized the defense agreement in a post on X, arguing that Saudi Arabia should not rely on external security arrangements.
According to Rezaei, “Saudi Arabia should understand that a paper agreement with Turkey and Pakistan will not provide them with security, just as years of one-sided dependence on the Americans did not bring them security.”
He further urged Riyadh to reconsider its regional policies, stating that the kingdom should pursue an independent approach to its security rather than depending on foreign partners.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Turkey Says Pact Does Not Target Any Country
Responding to speculation surrounding the agreement, Turkey’s Presidency Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, said the Mecca defense pact is not directed against any country.
According to remarks reported by Al Jazeera, Duran said the agreement is intended to strengthen regional security cooperation and collective deterrence. He noted that under the arrangement, an armed attack against one of the three participating countries would be regarded as an attack against all.
Turkish officials maintained that the pact is focused on enhancing defense coordination rather than escalating regional tensions.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Saudi Arabia Rejects Nuclear or Military Bloc Claims
Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly also addressed concerns over the agreement, saying it is not connected to nuclear ambitions or the formation of a new military axis.
In a post on X, Krimly said the pact is aimed at “building sustainable capabilities” and should not be viewed as a sectarian alliance or an effort to trigger an arms race.
He also stressed that the agreement “does not constitute a threat to the security of any country in the region” and is not intended to increase regional tensions.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Separate Conflict Continues in Yemen
In a separate development linked to the broader regional security situation, Yemen’s internationally recognized government said two civilians were killed and 14 others injured in Houthi strikes on the central city of Marib. Health Minister Qasim Buhaibeh described the casualty figures as preliminary. Yemeni state media reported that government forces intercepted multiple Houthi drones targeting the city before explosions were heard in the area.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest News: Regional Security Debate Intensifies
The exchange of statements underscores differing regional perspectives following the signing of the Mecca defense agreement. While Iranian officials have questioned its effectiveness, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have emphasized that the pact is defensive in nature and is intended to strengthen cooperation among the three countries without targeting any regional state.
(With inputs from agencies)
