Palestinian Authority, Bahrain, Muslim World League Welcome Saudi-Pakistan-Türkiye Defense Pact

This handout photograph taken and released by Turkish Presidency Press Office on August 7, 2026, shows Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud (3rd L), Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (4th L), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (5th L), Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (C), Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (5th R), Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman al-Saud (4th R), and their delegations as they pose after signing a trilateral joint defense agreement in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Handout / Turkish Presidency Press Office / AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released by Turkish Presidency Press Office on August 7, 2026, shows Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud (3rd L), Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (4th L), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (5th L), Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (C), Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (5th R), Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman al-Saud (4th R), and their delegations as they pose after signing a trilateral joint defense agreement in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Handout / Turkish Presidency Press Office / AFP)
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Palestinian Authority, Bahrain, Muslim World League Welcome Saudi-Pakistan-Türkiye Defense Pact

This handout photograph taken and released by Turkish Presidency Press Office on August 7, 2026, shows Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud (3rd L), Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (4th L), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (5th L), Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (C), Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (5th R), Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman al-Saud (4th R), and their delegations as they pose after signing a trilateral joint defense agreement in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Handout / Turkish Presidency Press Office / AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released by Turkish Presidency Press Office on August 7, 2026, shows Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud (3rd L), Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (4th L), Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (5th L), Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (C), Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (5th R), Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman al-Saud (4th R), and their delegations as they pose after signing a trilateral joint defense agreement in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Handout / Turkish Presidency Press Office / AFP)

The Palestinian Authority, Bahrain and the Muslim World League have welcomed the new mutual defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, as Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari also hailed the pact as an important development that would promote peace, security and stability in the region and the world.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Palestinian Presidency stressed that strengthening the capabilities of the nations and enhancing their integration and cooperation in protecting their security, sovereignty and legitimate interests constitute a fundamental pillar of regional stability and the preservation of their peoples' resources.

The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the three countries' defense capabilities and military expertise, their roles in promoting regional security and stability, and their commitment to international agreements and conventions.

The ministry described the agreement as a strategic partnership that contributes to safeguarding security and stability in the region and the world and strengthens the effect of joint deterrence.

The MWL General Secretariat issued a statement commending the agreement, particularly its foundation in bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, which it said would strengthen collective security and contribute to peace, stability and prosperity across the region and the wider international community.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed the signing of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, describing it as an important step toward promoting peace, security and stability in the region and beyond.

Zardari said the agreement would strengthen the joint defense capabilities of the three countries and demonstrate their shared commitment to building a secure, stable and prosperous future for their peoples.

On Friday, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement,” under which “any armed attack on any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against them all.”

 

 



Gulf, Arab Condemnation of Iranian Attack on Saudi Tanker

Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, September 2, 2026. (Reuters)
Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, September 2, 2026. (Reuters)
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Gulf, Arab Condemnation of Iranian Attack on Saudi Tanker

Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, September 2, 2026. (Reuters)
Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, September 2, 2026. (Reuters)

Qatar strongly condemned on Wednesday Iran's attack on the Saudi tanker SIDR in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in the deaths among the crew.

It slammed the strike as a blatant violation of international maritime law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817.

In a statement, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs “categorically rejected the weaponization of the Strait of Hormuz and demanded its unconditional reopening.”

The ministry emphasized that “freedom of navigation in the vital waterway is a non-negotiable principle”.

It warned that its continued closure jeopardizes regional security and the global economy.

Demanding an immediate halt to Iran's unjustified aggression, the ministry stressed Doha's “full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and expressed unequivocal support for all measures taken by Riyadh to protect its national assets.”

Jordan also condemned the attack, saying it was a flagrant violation of international law and a direct threat to the security and safety of global maritime navigation.

In a statement, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates underlined the country's “absolute solidarity with Saudi Arabia, expressing full support for all measures taken by Riyadh to protect its security, stability, and national resources.”

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi strongly condemned the attack, slamming it as a “dangerous escalation, a grave violation of international law, and a direct threat to the security and safety of international maritime navigation.”

He warned that the attack exposes regional security and stability and the flow of global trade to “grave risks”.

Albudaiwi underscored that the GCC member states stand firmly with Saudi Arabia in every measure to safeguard its security and protect its interests.


Riyadh Condemns Iran Attack on Saudi Vessel in Hormuz

A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)
A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)
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Riyadh Condemns Iran Attack on Saudi Vessel in Hormuz

A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)
A view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA file)

Saudi Arabia condemned on Wednesday Iran for attacking a Saudi vessel, SIDR, as it sailed the Hormuz Strait and the resulting loss of life among the crew.

A Foreign Ministry statement said the Kingdom also condemns the Iranian attacks against Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Saudi Arabia “stands by the fraternal states and the measures they take to protect their security and sovereignty against any threat,” it added.

The Kingdom “underscored the need to stop the escalation and respect international marine lanes and their safety, as well as the global energy supplies.”

It urged “good neighborliness and respect for the sovereignty of nations, the UN Charter and international laws and norms.”

The Kingdom “called on all parties to restore calm, end the escalation, respect international law, return to the negotiations and turn to peaceful solutions.”


Saudi Shipping Company Bahri Says Two Filipino Sailors Killed in Incident in Hormuz

Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 31, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 31, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
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Saudi Shipping Company Bahri Says Two Filipino Sailors Killed in Incident in Hormuz

Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 31, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 31, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

Saudi Arabia's national shipping company, Bahri, said on Wednesday that two Filipino seafarers were killed in a security incident involving its vessel SIDR as it transited through the Strait of Hormuz on August 31.

The company said in a statement that it continues to maintain constant communication with the vessel and is coordinating with the relevant authorities while monitoring developments in the incident.

Bahri emphasized that the safety of its crew members, protection of the marine environment, and safe management of its vessels remain its top priorities, at a time when shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is experiencing disruptions and escalating security risks.

SIDR was among two tankers involved in separate incidents occurring in close succession as they passed near the Strait of Hormuz, according to maritime sources.