Russia Backs Iran Joining Mecca Defense Pact, Lavrov Says

Russia has voiced support for bringing Iran into the Mecca Defense Pact, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov saying Tehran’s participation could become an important step toward greater security and stability in the Gulf region, according to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency.

Speaking to students and faculty members at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations on Monday, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s long-standing position on security cooperation in the Gulf.

He said Russia had proposed more than two decades ago creating a regional security framework that would bring Iran together with Gulf and Arab countries for dialogue on regional security issues.

According to Lavrov, Moscow was aware that relations among the countries were complicated. Russia therefore wanted to help bring them to the negotiating table, allow them to address mutual grievances and encourage agreement on confidence-building measures.

However, Lavrov said the regional situation had become more complicated after the United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran in February.

Discussing the Mecca Defense Pact, Lavrov said supporters of the agreement had indicated that membership could eventually be opened to countries outside the Gulf region. Reaching an agreement on how Iran could be incorporated into such a security framework, he suggested, could be the “most realistic step” toward implementing Moscow’s proposed regional security structure.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed the Mecca Defense Pact on August 7. Under the agreement, the member states are expected to provide joint defence assistance if any one of them comes under attack.

Iran Claims to Have Fired ‘Advanced’ Missile

Meanwhile, Iran has again threatened the United States with an “economic war.” Tehran also claimed that it had launched an advanced missile at a US warship.

Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said in recent days that Iran had sent a clear warning to Washington by using a new type of missile.

Rezaei was apparently referring to the Qassem Basir ballistic missile. Iranian media reported that the missile was launched at a US warship near the Strait of Hormuz. The US military, however, said its warships had avoided the missile attack.

Iran has described the Qassem Basir as an advanced missile capable of changing direction more easily than earlier versions and evading missile defence systems.

Iranian media outlet Fars News reported that the missile was first used on the battlefield against Israel in June 2025.