Iran Says It Has No Issue With Bangladesh’s Mecca Pact Decision

Bangla Press Desk:  Iran on Wednesday said it does not view the "Mecca Pact" involving Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan as something directed against Tehran, and that Bangladesh's decision regarding the initiative does not create any concern for Iran.

"We don't regard the Mecca Peace Pact as being against Iran. Their (Bangladesh's) decision does not make us concerned," Ambassador of Iran to Bangladesh Dr Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi told reporters after a courtesy meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, UNB reports.

On Bangladesh's foreign policy, the ambassador said Dhaka's balanced approach to international relations was well understood by Tehran.

"When it comes to the foreign policy of your government, we are well aware that your government is pursuing a very balanced foreign policy," he said.

The envoy said Bangladesh's decisions regarding its international and security relations would not create concern for Iran.

The ambassador said Iran values its relations with Bangladesh and is interested in further expanding cooperation in political, trade and cultural fields.

The state minister expressed Bangladesh's hope for an early end to tensions in the region and for lasting peace and stability, in the interest of the people of the region and beyond.

Iran believes recent regional security arrangements demonstrate that countries are increasingly seeking to rely on themselves rather than the United States for their security.

"The Peace Pact is good evidence that regional countries and members are trying to stand on their own feet to provide for their security. It proves that they no longer want to rely on America for their security," the ambassador said.

Referring to recent developments in regional security, the Iranian envoy said the experience of the recent war had made it clear that the presence of US military bases in regional countries could not necessarily guarantee their security.

The ambassador said regional countries should increasingly take responsibility for their own security rather than depending on external powers.

"Regional countries should rely on themselves for their security," he said, adding that efforts to establish regional security mechanisms reflected a desire for greater strategic independence.

Asked about security arrangements involving countries in the region, including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the ambassador said Iran does not view such developments as a threat to its relations with neighbouring and regional countries.

He said Iran maintained its position that regional countries should be able to cooperate on security without creating confrontation with others.

On Sunday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh sees no risk in joining the Mecca Defence Pact and that it would not restrict Bangladesh's engagement with other partners.

"This is a unique pact, presenting new opportunities," he told reporters after Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah called on him.

He also said, "Mecca is in the heart of Bangladesh," while explaining Dhaka's positive attitude towards the initiative.

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, or the "Mecca Pact", was officially signed on August 7, 2026, with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye being its partners so far.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday said Bangladesh is assessing the situation regarding the "Mecca Pact" involving Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan before deciding whether to join the alliance if invited.

"We are assessing the situation regarding participation in the Mecca Pact. Bangladesh's interests will be considered first before joining the alliance," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Bangladesh has not yet received any formal invitation to join the pact.

She said Bangladesh's national interest would be the foremost consideration in taking any decision regarding participation in the pact.

Bangladesh has viewed the pact positively and is interested in the initiative.