Russia Respects Any Iranian Decision on Engagement with Makkah Defence Pact: Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday that Moscow would respect any decision by Iran to establish contacts with the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia–Türkiye defence framework, known as the Makkah Pact.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran, Lavrov stated that Russia had welcomed the formation of the structure. He said the stated goals of the association are to achieve stability, promote peace and cooperation.

“If at any stage the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran considers that contacts with this organization can contribute to the promotion of the goals of peace and free development, we will respect this choice of our friends,” Lavrov said.

He added that other countries in the region, including Arab states, have also expressed interest in engaging with the arrangement and joining the work of the “troika.”

The Makkah Pact was signed on August 7, 2026, by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries is to be regarded as an attack against all. The pact provides for collective security, defence cooperation, military coordination and joint projects in the defence industry. Its Strategic Political and Defence Committee has already held meetings, and the parties have kept the door open for additional members.

Lavrov’s remarks came during high-level talks in Tehran that covered bilateral relations under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, regional security, the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, developments in Afghanistan and broader issues of multilateralism. Araghchi, for his part, reiterated Iran’s readiness to engage in regional security initiatives based on the capabilities of regional countries and free from the presence or intervention of foreign forces.

Russia has previously indicated support for inclusive regional security concepts in the Gulf that could involve both Arab states and Iran. Lavrov’s latest comments frame the Makkah Pact as consistent with the pursuit of stability and leave the question of any Iranian engagement entirely to Tehran’s sovereign decision.

The Russian foreign minister’s position underscores Moscow’s preference for regionally driven security arrangements while reaffirming its strategic partnership with Iran.