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Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani on August 21 said that Syria, like several other nations, is closely studying the trilateral defense pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, but noted that no final decision on joining has been made.
Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, Shaibani said, “Like other countries, we have also reviewed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.”
“These are three important countries in the region. We are reviewing our options, but for now, we have not made any decision about joining it,” he added.
Asked whether Pakistan had offered to mediate between Iran and Syria during his visit, Shaibani ruled this out. He noted, however, “If Iran stops what it has been doing to the Syrian people over the past 14 years, there could be a possibility of dialogue.”
“We are not currently seeking to improve relations with Tehran. If Iran changes its policy, we would have no objection,” he said.
Asked about a possible visit to Iran, Shaibani said diplomacy has no boundaries. “If it benefits Syria, we will certainly go,” he added.
On Israel, Shaibani said it is still “too early” to discuss any strategic agreement, stressing that Syria’s main priority is stopping Israeli attacks.
“Syria is a sovereign state,” Shaibani said, adding that Israel has no right to dictate Damascus’s alliances or partnerships.
He concluded by saying that Syria’s revised foreign policy will focus on reconstruction, economic cooperation, and strengthening ties with regional and international partners.
This diplomatic pivot directly follows the recent strikes on the Abu Duhur air base in northwestern Syria, which Israel launched to block a planned Turkish military deployment.
Syria joining the defense pact would pose a major threat to Israel, as it would provide both Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan with the legal and operational grounds to deploy forces directly inside Syrian territory. It could also facilitate massive financial backing from Saudi Arabia to build up the new Syrian military.
At the same time, any return of relations between Syria and Iran would be viewed by Israel as a major threat, since it could reopen vital supply routes for Hezbollah in Lebanon.
These developments highlight how severely Syria is currently strangled by Israeli military actions, while the country simultaneously attempts to break out of its isolation and reshape its strategic standing.
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