Pakistan Army Spokesman: Mecca Pact Text Does Not Bar Iran From Joining

According to Mayarjal News, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Public Relations of the Pakistan Army, told Reuters in an exclusive interview on October 30 that the agreement's provisions do not restrict the admission of new members. Referring to the pact's defense and security objectives, he said countries that share a common view on collective deterrence and on maintaining regional peace and stability could be welcomed to join. He added that the final decision on admitting new members lies with the political leaders of the three core member states. Under Article 8 of the pact's 16-article agreement, admission of new members requires the approval of the core member states. The statement comes as the possibility of Iran joining the Mecca Pact has drawn attention. However, the Pakistan Army's stated position only indicates that Iran's membership is possible under the agreement's provisions. It does not amount to a formal invitation to Tehran, a membership application from Iran, or the start of formal negotiations on joining the pact.