No Restrictions on Iran Joining the Makkah Defense Alliance, Any Nation Willing to Join Is Welcome, Says DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry; Decision to Deploy Additional Troops to Saudi Arabia Dependent on Conditions and Political Leadership
RAWALPINDI: Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General of the Army Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that there were no obstacles in Iran joining the defense alliance in Makkah. The decision however, is indeed in the hands of the three countries involved in the defence alliance.
The military spokesman said in a phone interview with Reuters that further deployments to Saudi Arabia are “solely dependent on conditions of security and instructions issued by the country’s political leadership. He once again assured the kingdom of Pakistan’s firm resolve in safeguarding Saudi Arabia and the sacred places.
During his interview with Reuters, DG ISPR, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, highlighted the following points.
Emphasizing inclusivity and integration of the region, the DG ISPR said that any party willing to join the collective defense and spread peace in the region can join the alliance, and there is nothing that stands in the way of Iran joining the alliance if all the parties agree to the matter.
Yemen Conflict and Defense of Saudi Arabia: Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has asserted that the Yemen conflict is a domestic issue and Pakistan is not involved in that particular disagreement, yet reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering dedication to protecting the sanctity of holy sites and Saudi sovereignty.
US-Iran Mediation and Counter-Terrorism: About the diplomatic effort between the two countries, the military spokesman said Pakistan was being hopeful albeit with some degree of caution but warned that big forces were there which wanted to derail the mediation process. Moreover, he said that “intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations” will be further stepped up throughout the country.