International
Turkiye Clarifies Mecca Defence Pact Is Not Targeted at Iran
Al Jazeera1h
THE BRIEF
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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on August 8, 2026, that the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is not directed against Iran.
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The pact, signed on Friday, functions similarly to NATO’s Article 5, requiring signatories to provide support ranging from intelligence to military units if any member faces an armed attack.
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Ankara plans to expand the alliance, with Fidan identifying Egypt as a natural partner expected to join the agreement once outstanding technical issues are resolved.