Tehran: We Do Not Feel Threatened by the Joint Defense Treaty, and Security Cannot Be Bought from Washington

Iran's Foreign Ministry considered the joint defense agreement signed in Mecca between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey as reflecting a shift in the region's view of the United States, asserting that it does not feel any threat from it. Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said that regional countries have realized that security is not a commodity to be bought from those who make false promises, pointing to the impossibility of relying on American guarantees. He emphasized the religious and historical ties with the three countries.

Iran's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that the joint defense agreement signed last week in Mecca between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey reflects a 'shift in perspective' within the region toward the United States, saying it sees 'no cause for concern.' Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said during his weekly press conference: 'Regional countries have realized that security is not a commodity that can be bought from those who make false promises,' in reference to the United States, which is an ally of the signatory countries. He added that 'regional countries can no longer rely on the security guarantees promised by the United States as they did in the past.' Baghaei saw no 'reason' for Tehran to feel threatened by the agreement, stressing the 'deep religious, historical, and civilizational ties' that bind Iran to the three countries. The agreement, signed on Friday, comes amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, linking these powerful Sunni-majority countries through a mutual defense clause similar to Article 5 of the NATO treaty. Experts believe this step primarily aims to acknowledge the United States' failures in deterrence, as well as to unify efforts against Iran's hostile behavior.

Tehran: We Do Not Feel Threatened by the Joint Defense Treaty, and Security Cannot Be Bought from Washington