Iran Walks a Tightrope on New Saudi-Pakistan-Turkiye Defence Pact

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye signed a mutual defence pact in Mecca on August 7, 2026. Iran has issued no formal statement. Foreign Minister Araghchi invoked Muslim unity without naming the deal. Foreign ministry official Noushabadi called it "the beginning of the collapse of US security hegemony," while analysts warn it could enable coordinated pressure on Tehran.