Tehran. Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has appealed to Muslim countries to unite and reduce their dependence on foreign powers for their security. Praising the strength and preparedness of Iran’s army, he said that if Muslim countries stand together, any challenge from external forces can be faced. Araghchi’s statement comes at a time when Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed a new trilateral joint defense agreement in Mecca. This agreement has been named ‘Mecca Joint Defense Agreement’ towards strengthening military cooperation.
The Iranian Foreign Minister praised the capabilities of Iran’s armed forces on X. He said that Iran’s powerful armed forces have demonstrated their readiness, capability, and strength against the world’s most powerful military power. Araghchi also stressed the need for solidarity among Muslim countries. He said, “When Muslim countries stand together, we can directly confront every challenge posed by external malicious forces. Now is the time to rely only on ourselves and embrace the spirit of true brotherhood.”
Araghchi’s statement comes following the signing of a new defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. The agreement was signed during a meeting in Mecca between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. According to a statement issued by the three countries, the agreement aims to strengthen collective security and deterrence against any kind of aggressive action. The agreement states that any armed attack on one of the three countries will be considered an attack on all three.
The agreement seeks to further strengthen all areas of defense cooperation between the three countries. This defense agreement comes at a time of rising tensions in West Asia. Saudi Arabia has faced numerous attacks during the ongoing Iran conflict. Reports indicate that drone and missile attacks have been carried out by Iran and its regional allies, including Houthi and Iraqi militia groups. These attacks have reportedly targeted Saudi Arabia’s vital infrastructure and petroleum-related facilities. In such circumstances, Saudi Arabia is seeking to further expand its security partnerships.