Iran's hardline Kayhan newspaper, which operates under the supervision of the Supreme Leader's representative, reacted to the 'Makkah Agreement' signed Friday between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. The paper warned that any action against Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' within the framework of the alliance will be met with a decisive response from the Islamic Republic—'not diplomatically, but on the battlefield.' Kayhan also called on Iran's neighbors not to base their security on alliances with the United States.
The 'Makkah Agreement,' signed on Friday, brings together Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey in a new regional alliance. Iran's Kayhan newspaper, a hardline outlet under the supervision of the Supreme Leader's representative, published an editorial warning that any action against Iran's 'Axis of Resistance'—its network of proxies across the Middle East—within the framework of this alliance will be met with a military response. The paper explicitly stated that retaliation would come 'not on the diplomatic level, but on the battlefield.' Kayhan also urged neighboring countries not to rely on the United States for their security, signaling Tehran's concern over the alignment of Sunni powers and Turkey. Kayhan has previously issued threats against the US and Israel, including calls to strike US nuclear sites and to target Israel as America's 'most vulnerable point.' The editorial reflects the Islamic Republic's unease with the growing diplomatic and security coordination between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, which could challenge Iranian influence in the region.
3 developments
- StrongIranian FM spokesman: Turkey-Pakistan-Saudi defense pact not directed against Iran, citing deep ties
- DevelopingIranian advisor: Pakistan lost neutrality after joining Saudi-Turkey defense pact
- StrongAxis of Resistance channels express concern over Turkey-Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defense pact
- StrongIranian media claims Tehran invited to join Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defense pact
Source and signal
A single-sourced dispatch is never rated Confirmed or Strong. Its Signal strengthens only when a second, independent source corroborates it.
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