The day's dominant story was the signing of the 'Mecca Defense Pact' by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, framed by Iranian media as a regional realignment. Morning reports covered Erdogan's arrival in Jeddah and the pact's signing, with VOA Persian and BBC Persian emphasizing its mutual defense clause. State-aligned outlets like Hamshahri Online and Tasnim downplayed the pact, while highlighting IRGC displays of downed US/Israeli aircraft and Friday prayer leaders' calls for continued resistance. By afternoon, Radio Farda noted only eight ships transiting Hormuz daily, and US Treasury Secretary Bessent suggested a Hormuz deal could be finalized soon. Evening coverage focused on Foreign Minister Araghchi's call for Muslim unity and new US sanctions on crypto exchanges linked to Iran. The pact overshadowed earlier Trump statements on war's end and Qalibaf's rebuff, consolidating a narrative of encirclement versus defiance.