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Syria mulls joining regional defense pact, rejects strengthening Iran ties

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Syria is considering joining the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, a trilateral pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, but has not yet made a decision.
  • Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani stated that Syria is reviewing its options regarding the agreement.
  • Al-Shaibani also ruled out any immediate efforts to improve relations with Iran unless Tehran changes its policies toward Syria.

Syria is evaluating the possibility of joining the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, a defense pact involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani announced Thursday. Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, al-Shaibani indicated that Syria, like other nations, is reviewing the agreement but has not committed to joining.

Like other countries, we have also reviewed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.

— Asaad Hassan al-ShaibaniSyrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani discusses Syria's consideration of joining the defense pact.

"We are reviewing our options, but for now, we have not made any decision about joining it," al-Shaibani stated, emphasizing the significance of the three regional powers involved in the pact. He added that Syria aims to expand its relations with Pakistan, describing his visit as historic and noting plans to appoint ambassadors, launch direct flights between Islamabad and Damascus, and reactivate a joint ministerial commission.

These are three important countries in the region. We are reviewing our options, but for now, we have not made any decision about joining it

— Asaad Hassan al-ShaibaniSyrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani explains Syria's current stance on joining the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.

During his visit, al-Shaibani also addressed Syria's relationship with Iran, explicitly ruling out any current efforts to improve ties. He suggested that dialogue with Tehran would only be possible if Iran alters its actions toward the Syrian people over the past 14 years. "If Iran changes its policy, we would have no objection," he remarked, while also stating that Syria would pursue diplomatic engagement if it benefits the country, regardless of location.

If Iran stops what it has been doing to the Syrian people over the past 14 years, there could be a possibility of dialogue.

— Asaad Hassan al-ShaibaniSyrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani outlines conditions for potential dialogue with Iran.

Al-Shaibani also voiced strong criticism of Israel, accusing it of expansionist ambitions and violating the 1974 agreement between the two countries. He noted that relations have remained tense since Syria's government change on December 8, 2024, and mentioned the United States playing a mediating role in easing tensions. He praised Turkey's long-standing support for the Syrian people.

Israel is violating the 1974 agreement. Its ambitions are expansionist and unjust

— Asaad Hassan al-ShaibaniSyrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani criticizes Israel's actions and territorial ambitions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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