Iran’s foreign ministry said on Monday that a defence pact, Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed last week between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan was “a sign of a change in the perception” of countries in the region towards the United States.

“The countries of the region have realised that security is not a commodity that can be bought from false brokers,” said ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei at a weekly press conference, referring to the US, an ally of the three signatories to the pact.

“Countries in the region cannot rely on the claim of security provided by the US as in the past,” he added.

He also said Iran was not concerned that the pact could be aimed at Tehran, highlighting “deep religious, historical and civilisational ties” with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan.

There was “no reason to worry that this treaty will be against Iran”, Baqaei said.

“Any plan that is based on ‌the geopolitical and historical realities of the region, is comprehensive and inclusive, and correctly ​identifies the ​enemy ⁠and the threat, has a chance of ​helping to strengthen ​security ⁠and prevent instability and abuses by the Zionist enemy ⁠and ​its allies,” he ​added, referring to Israel

Pakistan’s foreign ministry said on Friday that the pact meant an attack on any member would be regarded as an attack on all, adding it was “intended to strengthen collective deterrence”.