Iranian Regime questions Pakistan’s role as US-Iran mediator after Mecca defense pact

TEHRAN, Aug 8: Iran’s hardline Kayhan newspaper on Saturday criticized the newly signed defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, questioning whether Islamabad can continue to act as a credible mediator between Iran and the United States.

Kayhan editor Hossein Shariatmadari argued that Pakistan’s participation in the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, which states that an armed attack on one member would be considered an attack on all three, conflicts with Islamabad’s role as a potential mediator.

Shariatmadari also cited Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s praise of US President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s involvement in a separate regional security initiative focused on the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab as signs that Islamabad is moving closer to countries opposed to Iran and the Houthis.

He described both initiatives as ultimately targeting Iran and its regional allies. Saudi and Turkish officials, however, have said the Mecca agreement is defensive in nature and is not directed against any particular country.

The pact has also triggered debate in Iran over its potential military implications. Hesameddin Ashena, a former adviser to President Hassan Rouhani, said the agreement could change the region’s rules of conflict by reducing the effectiveness of threats against Persian Gulf states.

Ashena also warned that the agreement could increase the possibility of Turkey and Pakistan becoming directly involved in a conflict if Saudi Arabia comes under attack.