Iran Signals Readiness to Join Mecca Joint Defence Agreement

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed Tehran’s willingness to join the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan on August 7, 2026, calling for unity and closer cooperation among Muslim countries.

In remarks reported by Al Jazeera, Pezeshkian said Muslim nations should work together rather than become divided into opposing camps. He indicated that Iran was ready to participate in the alliance, while acknowledging that Tehran had not yet received complete details about the agreement’s framework and arrangements.

The development comes amid efforts to strengthen defence and strategic cooperation among Muslim-majority countries. The agreement was signed in Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The pact provides for collective defence, under which an armed attack against one signatory is to be treated as an attack against all. It also aims to enhance military coordination and strengthen deterrence against potential threats.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that several other countries have expressed interest in joining the agreement. However, any expansion would require the consent of the founding members.

If Iran eventually joins, the agreement could provide a broader platform for security cooperation and dialogue among regional powers. However, its inclusion would also raise questions about the alliance’s future structure, collective defence commitments and the reconciliation of differing regional security interests.