Pakistan

"The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement is not directed against a specific country," Fidan said, adding that the member states are considering establishing a mechanism to add new members.

The two events happening on the same day are a coincidence, because both have been in the works for some time. However, it is symbolic of how the Middle East is being reshaped.

Senior officials from the three countries will discuss joint military cooperation, defense production, and coordination mechanisms in the first talks since the Mecca Agreement was signed.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan’s new defense pact is already attracting interest from Bangladesh, Egypt, and Iran. But expansion could reshape regional security, alliances, and power balances.

The fire was reportedly caused by a fault in air conditioning systems.

The Strait of Hormuz has been severely affected in recent months, with shipping traffic through the waterway sharply declining amid Iranian threats and restrictions.

Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir discussed regional peace and ways to reach a negotiated settlement to disputes, the statement added.

The call, which has not been previously reported, came as the US threatened to roll out major economic sanctions targeting Iran and its trade partners.

On Sunday, Baghaei said the army chief of Pakistan, which has mediated between the United States and Iran, will visit Tehran on Monday.

Pakistan is expanding its Middle East influence, deepening ties with Syria, preparing talks with Iran, and positioning itself as a potential mediator between Tehran and Washington.