Mecca Pact: Pakistan’s army says Iran could join, with no objection from its side

On October 31, Pakistani army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said there was no obstacle from Pakistan’s side to Iran potentially joining the Mecca defense pact, though the signatories would make the decision. Signed on August 7 by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the agreement treats an attack on one member as an attack on all. Tehran had previously denied receiving an invitation, while confirming that proposals for regional security talks had been made. On October 26, Iranian, Saudi, Pakistani and Turkish officials met in Tehran and agreed to continue discussions.