Turkey says defence pact with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan aligns with NATO as Iran vows to resist 'coercion'
US redirects 51 ships, boards vessels as Gulf standoff with Iran intensifies
Security developments across the Gulf are continuing to shape the region's diplomatic and airline landscape today. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed a mutual defence pact declaring that an attack on one signatory will be treated as an attack on all three, while Ankara has moved to reassure allies that the agreement does not conflict with its NATO commitments. Separately, Iran and Oman are reported to have reached a preliminary framework governing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, pending final approval. Tensions also flared in Najran, where Saudi Arabia has blamed the Houthis for an attack that injured at least 11 civilians, even as Yemeni forces say they intercepted multiple drones. Follow this live blog for the latest updates, reactions and analysis as the situation unfolds.
Nabil Fahmy, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, has condemned an attack by the Houthi group targeting the Najran region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which resulted in a number of civilian wounds.
In a statement issued today, Fahmy affirmed the Arab League's full solidarity with the Kingdom, warning that the continued escalation threatens the security of the region.
Arab Parliament President Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi has condemned the Houthi attack targeting the Najran region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which resulted in several civilian wounds.
In a statement, Al Yamahi denounced the attack as a violation of international law and an escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region.
He reaffirmed the Arab Parliament's solidarity with Saudi Arabia, calling on the international community to protect civilians, put an end to these attacks, and prevent their recurrence.
US forces redirected 51 commercial vessels, disabled two and boarded two others as part of a blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas, US Central Command said on Friday.
“A US sailor stands watch in the combat information center aboard USS Mason (DDG 87) as the guided-missile destroyer sails in regional waters supporting the US blockade against Iranian ports and coastal areas. As of Aug.7, CENTCOM forces have redirected 51 commercial vessels, disabled 2, and boarded 2 to ensure compliance,” CENTCOM posted on X.
Turkey said that its new defence agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia did not contradict its commitments to the NATO alliance.
"The agreement is not in contradiction with the commitments of Turkey's existing international alliances, including those at the heart of NATO," the government's anti-disinformation service said in a post on X.
In fact, it was an additional cooperation mechanism that supported regional security, the statement added.
"Turkey's development of regional partnerships is not an alternative to its NATO membership," it said.
The service said it was responding to "baseless claims and manipulative posts" criticising the new agreement.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran does not seek war or territorial expansion but will not yield to what he described as “coercion”.
Speaking to Iran’s IRIB broadcaster, Pezeshkian said the country’s actions are focused on strengthening its defence capabilities and security.
He repeated Iran’s claims that the US has used military bases in Gulf countries to target Iran, accusing Washington of trying to create divisions between Tehran and its regional neighbours.
Pezeshkian said Iran has resolved many issues with neighbouring states, adding that tensions could ease if pressure and threats against Tehran come to an end.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi praised the country’s armed forces, saying they had demonstrated their “readiness, capability and might” in facing what he described as the world’s most expensive military.
In a post on X, Araghchi said Muslim countries could overcome challenges by standing together and called for greater self-reliance and unity.
“Time to rely only on ourselves and embrace true brotherhood,” he said.
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