Iran supreme leader calls for unity among Muslim countries
Iran's new supreme leader has called for unity among Muslim nations against the US and Israel, while a new regional defense pact between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan has been established. Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz following an attack on an oil tanker.
Why it matters
The formation of a new regional defense alliance and the rhetoric from Iran signal a significant shift in Middle Eastern geopolitical alignments amid ongoing regional conflicts.
An incident involving a crude oil tanker being struck by an unknown projectile while transiting inbound was reported in the Strait of Hormuz.On 30 August 2026, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Operations Centre issued Warning 122-26 (Attack), reporting a late notification of the incident..Tanker struck by 'unknown projectile' in Strait of Hormuz: UKMTO warning.Turkey will host Saudi Arabia and Pakistan for the first ministerial meeting of their new regional defence grouping on Monday, Turkish sources said Sunday.The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed earlier this month commits the three countries to mutual defence in the event of any of them being attacked.The pact came against a backdrop of war between the United States and Iran and attacks in the region from Tehran-backed Houthi rebels.Monday's meeting will be chaired by the Turkish foreign and defence ministers as well as the chief of the general staff. .
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