Iran: Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact shows region’s growing distrust of US security promises

The spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry says a recently-signed defense agreement among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey shows regional states’ perception of US “deception” when it comes to security issues.

Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks during his weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday in response to a question about Iran’s stance vis-à-vis the trilateral pact, known as the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.

He said the development shows a change in the perception of regional countries when it comes to the issue of security.

“Given developments over the past two or three years, regional countries have realized that security is not a commodity that can be purchased from false security brokers,” Baghaei added.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement on Friday with the purpose of strengthening collective deterrence against any act of aggression.

In a joint statement, the signatories said the pact stipulates that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack on all.

It aims to strengthen collective security and promote peace, security and stability in the region and beyond, the statement added.

Baghaei dismissed concerns over the defense agreement, emphasizing that Tehran has “deeply rooted bonds” with the three countries.

"We maintain deep bonds with Pakistan, Turkey, and even Saudi Arabia and there is no reason for Iran to be concerned about the pact,” he said.

He reiterated that the deeply rooted cultural ties between the peoples of Iran, Pakistan and Turkey are “crystal clear.”

“This development shows that regional countries cannot trust the claim by the United States and other extra-regional countries to provide security,” Baghaei pointed out.

No ‘miscalculation’ against Iran will go unanswered amid Mecca defense pact: MP

A senior Iranian lawmaker says any potential miscalculation against Iran not go unanswered.

Hormuz Strait will not be safe passage if US maintains blockade policy

The Iranian spokesperson further said Tehran and Muscat have agreed on a navigation route through the Strait of Hormuz and are examining some technical aspects related to the arrangement.

Baghaei added that Iran would establish mechanisms to monitor shipping in the strategic waterway and would also provide services to vessels using the route as part of efforts to ensure safe navigation.

Therefore, he emphasized, charging service fees for ships passing through the strait was totally natural.

"If the United States continues its policies and naval blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not be a safe passage," Baghaei further warned.

Iran not in talks with US, focusing on negotiations with Oman over Hormuz shipping route

Baghaei said Tehran is not currently engaged in negotiations with Washington but instead is focused on talks with Oman to determine a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.

The spokesman added that the exchange of messages through mediators on ongoing developments was, however, a normal occurrence.

He explained that Iran’s next step would depend on the circumstances and developments pertaining to the situation.

Kuwait’s closure of Iranian school ‘surprising political’ move

Baghaei slammed Kuwait’s closure of the only Iranian school in the country as a “surprising ” and politically motivated move, saying there is no justification for targeting students.

“Taking revenge against the most innocent groups who use this school for education is in no way justifiable,” he said.

He also addressed the detention of four Iranian nationals in Kuwait and said, “Unfortunately, the Kuwaiti government has refused to provide consular access to our nationals regardless of its international legal obligations, stipulated in international documents.”

He stressed that Iran’s demand for consular access was “completely legitimate and lawful,” expressing hope that Kuwaiti authorities would review the decision and prepare the ground for the release of the detained Iranian citizens as soon as possible.

Iraq should prevent use of its territory against Iran

Baghaei said Tehran expects the Iraqi authorities to make their utmost efforts to prevent terrorist groups and hostile foreign actors, including the US, from using the Iraqi territory against Iran’s interests.

He added that Iran and Iraq need to strive to reach a “clear” prospect for mutual relations in all fields, including security.

"Consultations between the two countries are ongoing continuously. We are aware of the threats and dangers facing the security of our borders,” the spokesman emphasized.

Iran rejects Ukraine’s claim of ‘unintentional’ attack on its vessel

Baghaei further rejected Ukraine’s claim that its attack on an Iranian commercial vessel was not deliberate, saying it remains unconvinced by Kiev’s explanation and expects compensation for the incident.

“We are not yet convinced by the Ukrainian side's claim that this action was unintentional,” the Iranian spokesman added.

Pointing to senior Ukrainian officials’ acknowledgment of the attack, Baghaei emphasized that Kiev bears responsibility for addressing the consequences of the incident.

Baghaei further stressed that Tehran expects Kiev to compensate for the damage caused by the attack.

"Given the admission by senior Ukrainian officials that such an attack took place, they must compensate for it,” he said.

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