Saudi Arabia, Turkey And Pakistan Sign Mecca Joint Defence Agreement

Toggle Play War on Iran: Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan sign defence pact Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan have signed a trilateral defence pact in Mecca aimed at deterring aggression. It states “any armed attack against any one of the three States shall be regarded as an attack against them all”. Al Jazeera’s Mohammad Saleh explains. Published On 7 Aug 20267 Aug 2026 Save Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo More from the same show New Delhi on red alert as heavy rains pound the city Video Duration 00 minutes 50 seconds play-arrow00:50 Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkiye defence pact challenges US role Video Duration 01 minutes 33 seconds play-arrow01:33 Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan sign joint defence pact !Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan sign joint defence pact Video Duration 00 minutes 42 seconds play-arrow00:42 UN chief condemns both Ukraine and Russia amid escalation in war Video Duration 01 minutes 43 seconds play-arrow01:43 First school for robots opens in China !robot school china Video Duration 02 minutes 01 seconds play-arrow02:01 Why Trump is caught in an ‘escalation trap’ with Iran !University of Chicago Professor Robert Pape Video Duration 01 minutes 56 seconds play-arrow01:56 Several killed after student opens fire inside Thailand school !Several killed after student opens fire inside Thailand school Video Duration 01 minutes 37 seconds play-arrow01:37 [](https://www.aljazeera.com/) Your browser does not support the audio element. audio-rewind audio-play audio-forward * audio-volume-mute close You rely on Al Jazeera for truth and transparency We and our 1019 partners store and access personal data, like browsing data or unique identifiers, on your device. Selecting Allow all enables tracking technologies to support the purposes shown under we and our partners process data to provide. Selecting Reject all or withdrawing your consent will disable them. If trackers are disabled, some content and ads you see may not be as relevant to you. You can resurface this menu to change your choices or withdraw consent at any time by clicking the Manage preferences link on the bottom of the webpage. Your choices will have effect within our Website. For more details, refer to our Privacy Policy. We and our partners process data to provide: Use precise geolocation data. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Store and/or access information on a device. Personalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development. List of Partners (vendors) Allow all Reject all Manage preferences

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan sign defence pact amid regional war Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed a joint defence agreement on Friday amid violence in the region from Houthi attacks and the US-Iran war. Riyadh is looking to strengthen its security ties against the backdrop of war between the United States and Iran, which has drawn in surrounding nations and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. The war has emboldened Iran and its Houthi allies in Yemen, both of which have attacked Saudi Arabia, while analysts say Washington is now seen as an increasingly unreliable partner. In a joint statement published by the official Saudi press agency and Pakistan's foreign ministry, the three countries announced the signing of the "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement". They declared a "shared commitment to further strengthening their collective security and to promoting peace, security and stability in the region and beyond". Pakistan's foreign ministry said the pact meant an attack on any member would be regarded as an attack on all, adding it was "intended to strengthen collective deterrence". Ankara nonetheless said later that the agreement was "not aimed at any particular country", according to a post on X by the presidency's communications director. Riyadh said "the agreement does not represent an effort to establish a military axis or a sectarian bloc". "Nor is it linked to any nuclear ambitions or arms race, rather it is focused on building sustainable capabilities," Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly said on X. The "does not constitute a threat to the security of any country in the region", he added. - 'Layers of security' - Since the onset of the regional war, Saudi Arabia has grown closer to Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan, which have been pushing for mediation and a resolution to the conflict. Umar Karim, an expert on Saudi foreign policy at the University of Birmingham, England, said the alignment "is clearly oriented towards Iran and meant to address Iran's new strategic approach which is geared towards dominance of the broader Gulf region". The fact that Turkey and Pakistan border Iran means they could "exercise a different kind of leverage" on Tehran, he added. A source close to the Saudi military and government told AFP before the signing that although the agreement had been under discussion for a long time, "the latest developments in the region expedite it". Andreas Krieg of King's College London said the deal showed a clear desire to diversify alliances beyond the United States. "Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are not trying to replace the United States," he said. "They are building the capacity to protect their interests when Washington cannot or will not do so." Riyadh, in particular, he added, "wants several layers of security rather than one American umbrella", after the shock of the Iran war. The deal will support Saudi Arabia's ambitions to become an organiser of regional security and diversify its defence umbrella, said Krieg. Turkey and Pakistan gain political clout and access to potential Saudi investments, he added. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Mecca on Friday, the Turkish presidency said on X, sharing an image of the meeting. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir also travelled to the Gulf kingdom for the signing. - Renewed Houthi attacks - Saudi Arabia and Pakistan had already announced a mutual defence pact in 2025, a move that drew attention because Pakistan is the Muslim world's only nuclear-armed state. The deal also comes as a truce between Riyadh and the Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen has broken down, with the Houthis launching attacks on Saudi soil and declaring a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, which they have attempted to enforce by attacking Saudi tankers. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have added pressure to Gulf energy exporters --- already under strain from Tehran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz -- by threatening Red Sea shipping. Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition backing Yemen's internationally recognised government against the Houthis since 2015. A truce was agreed four years ago which largely held until hostilities broke out again in recent weeks. On Thursday, the Houthis killed at least 58 Yemeni government troops in missile and drone attacks, a military source said, in one of the conflict's deadliest days in years. burs-jsa/jj

Mecca Agreement brings together Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, with denials of forming a "sectarian alliance" Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan on Friday signed the "Mecca Agreement for Collective Defense" during a summit hosted in Mecca that brought together Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The summit’s final statement said the agreement aims to deter collectively and develop defense cooperation among the three states, stipulating that any armed attack on one of the signatories constitutes an attack on all. The statement added that the agreement rests on historical ties and shared strategic interests among the three countries, and aims to bolster security and stability in the region and the world. Turkish President Erdogan wrote on X that the agreement is based on the principle of "collective deterrence," including enhanced security and defense cooperation, joint defense industry projects, and cooperation in fighting terrorism. He also said the agreement affirms the right of states to defend themselves under Article 51 of the UN Charter, noting that it "does not target any country" and is open to the accession of other countries seeking peace and stability in the region. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the agreement as a "milestone" in the cooperation path among brotherly countries that share mutual trust and a common destiny, noting that signing it in the sanctified precincts of Mecca and beside the two holy mosques adds a historical and symbolic dimension reflecting the depth of shared responsibility toward the security of the three states and the interests of their peoples. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said the agreement establishes a framework for a long-term defense partnership that strengthens deterrence, coordination, and integration among the countries and contributes to regional and global security and stability. The Saudi Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary for Public Diplomacy, Raad Gamli, wrote on X: "The agreement does not represent any move to build a military axis or a sectarian/denominational bloc, and it is not tied to nuclear pursuits or an arms race, but to building sustainable autonomous capabilities." Gamli emphasized that the agreement is "not a threat to the security of any country in the region, nor a rising of tensions between any two countries." The summit also featured a review of bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common interest, according to the joint communiqué. The agreement comes amid the Middle East conflict, with Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other, and the deep regional changes in influence and alliances it has imposed. Since the outbreak of the war in February, Saudi relations with Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan have strengthened within a quadruple alliance that sought mediation and a resolution to the conflict. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are linked by a defense agreement announced in 2025, which has raised many questions due to the lack of clarity about its contents. In January, a Turkish official announced that Ankara was engaging in talks to join this alliance, but a source close to the Saudi military told AFP at the time that Turkey would not join the Saudi-Pakistani defense agreement. Asim Munir played a pivotal role in the mediation efforts Islamabad is pursuing to broker a settlement between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan’s efforts have enjoyed support from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and also Qatar. A New Path Tehran has exerted real influence over the Hormuz Strait, one of the world’s most strategic energy corridors, since the war intensified with the United States and Israel launching the first strikes on Iran on February 28. Pakistan helped facilitate the United States and Iran reaching a ceasefire agreement in April, followed by a framework to end the war in June, but both sides resumed hostilities in early July. Although airstrikes have paused in recent days, Washington and Tehran have yet to make a tangible breakthrough toward a final pact to end the conflict, especially concerning Iran’s nuclear program. While Trump speaks of ongoing negotiations with Tehran, Tehran denies this. Iran announced on Thursday that it had agreed with Oman on a new route for ships to pass through the Hormuz Strait, which the two countries border. But Tehran stresses that reopening the strait is contingent on Washington’s conduct, which itself continues to blockade the Islamic Republic’s ports. Trump said on Thursday that this could happen soon, adding that discussions on the topic are progressing "very well." Why does Turkey want to form a defense alliance with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia? Defense expert Hassan Askari-Rizvi told BBC News ‘Hardtalk’ in January that Turkey’s interests extend beyond Europe to the Middle East and the Arab states. He noted that Saudi Arabia is a major regional power and that the defense agreement linking it with Pakistan has boosted Islamabad’s importance in the Middle East, even though it is not geographically within its borders. Rizvi believes Turkey is also seeking cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to deal with regional unrest and crises. Journalist Mehmet Teli̇k from the Turkish newspaper Daily Sabah said Ankara is interested in joining the defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan or expanding it. In an interview with BBC News Arabic in January, Teli̇k explained that Turkey believes that bringing together with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and perhaps Egypt, within a shared framework could help address several regional problems. He added that Ankara sees lack of trust among regional powers as the driver of most of these problems, and overcoming it could help solve about 80 percent of them. According to Teli̇k, combining Pakistan’s nuclear capability, Saudi Arabia’s economic power, and Turkey’s military and diplomatic influence could form a deterrent and help strengthen regional stability. How can Turkey make this agreement more effective? After being among the world’s leading arms importers, Turkey’s defense industry development has gradually turned it into a weapons-exporting country. In recent years, Turkish military equipment, especially combat drones, has played important roles in Ukraine, Syria, Libya, and elsewhere, drawing wide international attention to these industries. Turkish officials say domestic industries meet about 80 percent of the country’s defense needs, reducing dependence on foreign arms purchases. Five Turkish companies specializing in defense industries are listed among the world’s 100 largest arms manufacturers and suppliers of military services. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeks to leverage the progress of the defense industries and to emphasize achieving self-sufficiency in this sector to strengthen his position with the public. In contrast, the state media presents this development as reflecting Turkey’s growing influence on the international stage.

Analysis written by Abbas Al-Luati (CNN)-- Saudi Arabia has attracted two of the strongest military powers in the Islamic world to its defense system, as the Iran-Iraq war nears the kingdom. Pakistan and Turkey signed a mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia in Mecca, on Friday, similar to a NATO-style pact—transforming their long-standing security ties into a collective defense alliance. By treating an attack on any of the three countries as an attack on all three, this agreement could drag Pakistan and Turkey into a war both have long sought to avoid. This agreement provides Saudi Arabia with a new, strong layer of protection that goes beyond its long-standing security partnership with the United States, amid rising regional doubts about whether Washington can still be relied upon to protect Gulf allies rich in oil. The agreement also strengthens Saudi deterrence and forms a unified military front led by Sunnis in the face of the rising Iranian threat. It comes at a time when Israel is expanding its military moves in the region, while relations between Riyadh and neighboring United Arab Emirates are strained. Pakistan and Turkey share land borders with Iran and have strong reasons to prevent the conflict from escalating; Pakistan must manage the large Shia population and its delicate relationship with Tehran, while Turkey and Iran share concerns about Kurdish separatist tensions, despite competing in other parts of the region. Iran has repeatedly attacked targets inside Saudi Arabia during the war, including civilian infrastructure, energy facilities, and American interests. Direct Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia declined significantly after the ceasefire took effect on April 8, but Iran-backed groups in Yemen, Iraq, and elsewhere continued to target the kingdom. Riyadh was one of the fiercest opponents of this war and worked to dissuade U.S. President Donald Trump from escalating against the Islamic Republic. However, the ongoing multi-front attacks on Saudi Arabia have troubled officials and increased their sense of frustration. A Saudi official told CNN on Thursday that the kingdom is preparing for a large, coordinated attack by Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Yemen, with support from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. CNN also reported that Tehran warned Gulf countries that resuming American attacks would trigger a retaliatory strike targeting energy facilities or desalination plants across the region. Therefore, the pact signed in Mecca on Friday sends a warning message to Tehran: launching any major new attack on Saudi Arabia could trigger the pact’s provisions, drag Pakistan and Turkey into the conflict, and greatly widen the scope of the war.

Via jpost.com Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan sign mutual defence pact in Mecca The trilateral agreement includes a collective defence clause modeled on NATO's Article 5, binding three of the most powerful Sunni Muslim nations into a formal security alliance. Three countries with a combined population north of 400 million, one set of nuclear weapons, and control over Islam’s holiest sites just locked arms. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, formalizing what may be the most consequential security pact in the Middle East in decades. The agreement includes a mutual defence clause stating that “an armed attack against any one of the three States shall be regarded as an attack against them all.” Who signed and why it matters Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formalized the deal after nearly a year of negotiations, with talks reportedly underway as early as January 2026. The pact didn’t emerge from thin air. It builds on the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed on September 17, 2025, which created the bilateral foundation Turkey has now joined. Each signatory brings something distinct to the table. Saudi Arabia contributes massive economic resources and control of Mecca and Medina, the spiritual center of gravity for over a billion Muslims worldwide. Turkey offers NATO-grade military capabilities and one of the largest standing armies on the planet. Pakistan rounds out the trio with nuclear weapons and deep institutional military ties to Riyadh stretching back decades. The diplomatic fine print Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz was quick to frame the agreement in the gentlest possible terms, stating it is “not aimed at any specific country” and is purely defensive in nature. The agreement lands amid escalating regional instability that has been building since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 and the conflict that followed. The situation deteriorated further with the ongoing US-Iran war and Iranian missile attacks on Gulf states that intensified throughout early 2026. A new security architecture takes shape The pact emphasizes an independent regional security architecture. Turkey’s inclusion is particularly notable. As a NATO member, Ankara is formally allied with the United States and much of Western Europe. Signing a separate mutual defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan adds another layer to President Erdogan’s long-running project of positioning Turkey as a bridge between Western alliance structures and the broader Muslim world. Pakistan is the only Muslim-majority nation with nuclear weapons, and its formal inclusion in a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia has been the subject of intense speculation for years. While this agreement doesn’t explicitly provide a nuclear umbrella, the collective defence clause creates an implicit connection between Pakistan’s deterrent capabilities and Saudi Arabia’s security.

Turkish sources quoted by local media outlets confirmed on Friday that a defense pact was signed with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan departed for Saudi Arabia in the morning in a visit announced only hours ago. The agreement between the three Muslim states brings together oil-rich Saudi Arabia and nuclear power Pakistan as well as Türkiye, which has NATO's second-largest army and a rapidly growing defense industry. It would increase cooperation and deterrence at a time of increased regional uncertainty and threats from the war in Iran. "The agreement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression, and stipulates that any armed attack against any one of the three states shall be regarded as an attack against them all," the Pakistani Foreign Ministry and Turkish Presidency's Communications Directorate said in identical statements. "It further provides for the enhancement of all aspects of defense cooperation among the three States," the statements said, adding that the agreement was called the "Mecca Joint Defense Agreement." Earlier, Turkish media reports said it is likely to allow joint military exercises and training, technology transfers and the sharing of intelligence. Saudi Arabia, whose critical infrastructure and oil facilities have come under attack as part of the war in Iran, has been looking to diversify its defense partnerships. In September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defense pact that also defines any attack on either nation as an attack on both. The agreement also comes amid rising tensions between Türkiye and Israel over Gaza and other regional conflicts, including the war in Iran and Lebanon. A Turkish government official described the agreement as "purely defensive in nature," saying the sides have pledged mutual support only for defense. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the issue publicly, insisted that the deal is "not against any specific actor" and was open for other regional countries to join. The agreement does not abrogate or replace any bilateral or multilateral agreements between these states or with other states and organizations, the official added. In Islamabad, defense analyst Abdullah Khan described the agreement as a natural evolution and formalization of decades of strategic ties among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, saying a changing regional security environment and the evolving nature of warfare had increased the need for closer cooperation. Khan said the pact was "purely defensive" and not directed against any country, with collective deterrence intended to raise the cost of aggression and prevent conflict. The analyst said three countries bring complementary strengths to the arrangement: Pakistan's military experience and expertise in managing escalation, Saudi Arabia's economic strength and regional influence, and Türkiye's advanced defense technology and industrial capabilities. Sharif arrived on Thursday for a three-day visit accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Erdoğan traveled to Saudi Arabia on Friday. In addition to discussing ways to help defuse tensions between the United States and Iran, the three leaders were expected to explore expanding trade, economic ties and broader security cooperation, officials said. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said that while Sharif's visit took place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Gulf, it extends beyond the immediate crisis and is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and boosting coordination on regional and international issues. Pakistani officials said the pact meant that any attack against one of the parties to the agreement was an attack on all, which would prompt joint defensive action. The three countries have been the subject of months of speculation about a possible strategic alliance. Pakistan has sought to mediate efforts to end the U.S.-Iran war, while Türkiye has played a diplomatic role in negotiations aimed at ending the war in Gaza. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan had already announced a joint defense pact in 2025, a move that drew attention because Pakistan is the Muslim world's only nuclear-equipped state.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed a joint defense pact in Mecca, creating a new military alliance that could redefine the balance of power in the Middle East. The trilateral pact, which involves three nuclear and conventional powers, arrives amid rising regional tensions and seeks to complement existing alliances with the United States. *** - Three Muslim-majority military powers sign a trilateral defense pact in Mecca. - The agreement expands the Saudi-Pakistani bilateral pact of September 2025 and includes Turkey. - The pact emphasizes collective defense, though the specific commitments have not yet been disclosed. 🇸🇦✍️ Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey sign a defense pact in Mecca. Three Muslim-majority military powers come together in a trilateral agreement. The pact aims to strengthen collective defense amid growing regional tensions. The alliance is built on the… pic.twitter.com/4D2JQuxMQt — Diario฿itcoin (@DiarioBitcoin) August 7, 2026 According to Cryptobriefing, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed a trilateral joint defense agreement on August 7 in Mecca. The ceremony gathered Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir. The pact is based on the Mutual Strategic Defense Agreement that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed on September 17, 2025. It is now expanded to a trilateral framework by including Turkey, which possesses the second-largest army in NATO. Cooperation among these three countries is not new. Roughly 1,500 to 2,000 Pakistani troops are already stationed in Saudi Arabia. This demonstrates that defense cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh has deep operational roots beyond diplomacy. Negotiations for the trilateral expansion lasted about a year. A draft of the agreement was prepared for January 2026, Cryptobriefing reports. A pact of collective defense The agreement emphasizes collective defense, though the specific commitments have not yet been publicly disclosed. Plans for joint military exercises, shared intelligence frameworks, or coordinated weapons purchases have not been detailed. Turkey possesses one of the most capable conventional forces in NATO. Pakistan is a nuclear state with deep institutional military experience. Saudi Arabia has the Gulf’s largest defense budget and acts as the region’s dominant economic power. The combination of these capabilities makes the pact a significant military bloc. The fact that it was signed in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam, adds relevant religious and political symbolism. The agreement does not replace existing alliances with the United States. Turkey remains a NATO member, Pakistan maintains a complex but functional relationship with Washington, and Saudi Arabia remains one of the largest U.S. arms buyers. The regional tension context The Middle East has experienced rising tensions, especially after missile exchanges involving Gulf states. These actions were related to moves by the United States and Israel toward Iran, according to the original reporting. That environment has pushed regional powers to consider security architectures that do not rely entirely on the American umbrella. The trilateral pact represents an effort to create an additional layer of coordination among nations that already cooperate bilaterally. The decision to include Turkey in the Saudi-Pakistani bilateral pact is strategic. Ankara has an advanced defense industry, including drones and military technology proven in recent conflicts. Pakistan brings its nuclear capability and expertise in counterinsurgency and special operations. Saudi Arabia offers financial resources and a key geopolitical location for energy trade. Reactions and projections The agreement has generated expectations in the region, though official statements from the involved governments have not yet been released. Analysts believe the pact could strengthen coordination in maritime security, surveillance, and response to common threats. Some observers see this alliance as a counterbalance to external influence in the Muslim world. However, it could also raise concerns among other regional actors, such as Iran, although this is not directly mentioned in the original news report. The Mecca meeting during a period of tensions suggests the three countries seek to send a message of unity. The symbolism of the location reinforces the notion of a defensive Islamic coalition. The pact could facilitate future collaborations in military technology, training, and logistics. But details will depend on implementation agreements that have not yet been made public. Ultimately, this trilateral agreement marks a milestone in security relations within the Muslim world. It remains to be seen how it will materialize into concrete actions and how it will affect the balance of power in the Middle East. Original image by DiarioBitcoin, created with artificial intelligence, free to use, licensed under Public Domain. This article was written by an AI content editor and reviewed by a human editor to ensure quality and accuracy. WARNING: DiarioBitcoin provides informational and educational content on diverse topics, including cryptocurrencies, AI, technology, and regulations. We do not provide financial advice. Investments in crypto assets are high risk and may not be suitable for everyone. Do your research, consult an expert, and verify applicable law before investing. You could lose all of your capital.

Saudi state news agency SPA (WAS) reported today, Friday (August 7, 2026) that "both the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif signed the 'Mecca Agreement for Collective Defense,' which reflects the three countries’ keenness to bolster their shared security and achieve security, peace, and stability in the region and the world in pursuit of a safe and prosperous future." The joint statement, issued after the meeting held in Mecca today, Friday, added that "the agreement aims to strengthen mutual deterrence against any aggression, and stipulates that any armed attack on any of the three states is an attack on all of them, while the agreement also concerns the development of all aspects of defense cooperation among them." A military source, preferring anonymity, said the signing of the agreement was "under discussion for a long period, but recent developments in the region accelerated its pace." What about the timing? The agreement comes amid the war on one side between Iran and, on the other, the United States and Israel, and the regional shifts this war imposes on influence and alliances. It also comes amid renewed clashes between Riyadh, which backs the internationally recognized Yemeni government, and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who fired projectiles toward the southern part of the kingdom from Thursday night to Friday, leaving 11 people injured, according to an official Saudi source. SPA added: "The Mecca Summit for Collective Defense was held today, Friday, during which the distinguished relations between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, and a number of issues of common concern, were reviewed." The statement clarified that the agreement was signed "originating from the longstanding historic ties among the three countries, based on brotherly and Islamic solidarity, and aligned with shared strategic interests and close defense cooperation." Haberturk, the Turkish television channel, reported that it is likely to permit joint military exercises and trainings, technology transfer, and exchange of intelligence. Pakistan continues its mediation efforts aimed at ending the war between the United States and Iran, while Turkey has played an active diplomatic role in efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. In September 2025, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a joint defense deterrence agreement within their effort to bolster security and achieve security and stability in the region and the world, and to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen mutual deterrence against any aggression. Yet it raised many questions due to unclear contents. Saudi Arabia seeks new alliances The strengthening of the alliance among these major powers in the Islamic world—Saudi Arabia with its regional and global heft, particularly in oil export; Turkey, a NATO member; and Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state—within the framework of reshaping regional and international relations amid the Middle East conflict. It raises the question of whether this alliance is Sunni-led to confront Iran and its Shiite allies in the region. Andreas Crag, a professor of defense studies at King’s College London, said the anticipated agreement is "one of the clearest indicators that the Middle East is moving away from a US-only security regime." He added, "Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are not trying to replace the United States, but rather are building capabilities to protect their interests when Washington cannot or will not do so." He noted, "The United States is indispensable, but current conflicts have shown that it is not necessarily able to prevent regional wars, deter Israel, or protect Gulf infrastructure from Iranian retaliation. So Saudi Arabia wants multiple layers of security, rather than the American umbrella alone." Edited by: Aref Jabo

Historic defense agreement among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey: keys to the triple shield The entente is a military giant, combining the second-largest army in NATO with a nuclear power and another that has just signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States. All located at strategic points and friendly to Washington. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed this Friday in Mecca a joint defense agreement, thereby uniting Sunni Muslim American allies alarmed by the regional escalation that has prompted missiles to be launched at Gulf oil exporters. Iran and its allies have been attacking Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, and blocking their energy shipments, since the United States and Israel struck it on February 28, in a major escalation after years of regional turmoil. The agreement aims to strengthen deterrence against any act of aggression and stipulates that an armed attack against any of the three countries would be considered an attack against all, according to a joint statement. While the statement did not specify the commitments or obligations each country had assumed under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, it noted that the pact aimed to strengthen their collective security and promote peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond, Reuters reported. “A collective defense clause is included in the agreement. It is purely defensive in nature and only promises mutual defense assistance,” a Turkish official said. The agreement was not directed at any specific actor, it was open to other countries in the region, and it did not repeal or replace any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements, the official added. However, the three nations are particularly concerned about the increasingly aggressive military postures of both Israel and the revolutionary Iran-aligned Shiite bloc, while their long-standing ally, the United States, struggles to contain regional instability. Powerful symbolism “The political symbolism of the summit is meaningful. Three of the most influential states in the Muslim world are meeting at a time of great uncertainty, demonstrating a growing willingness among regional and middle powers to coordinate more closely on security,” said Abdulaziz Sager, president of the Gulf Research Center, a Saudi-based think tank. “If institutionalized and translated into concrete cooperation, the trilateral framework could strengthen the diplomatic and collective defense weight of the three countries, contributing to the emergence of a security architecture with greater regional projection,” Sager added. Turkey has the second-largest army in NATO. Saudi Arabia, the Gulf’s most powerful state, hosts Islam’s holiest sites and is one of the world’s leading oil exporters, while Pakistan is the only Muslim country with nuclear weapons. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by the powerful army chief, General Asim Munir, performed Umrah in Mecca before the arrival of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. They met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose country has been repeatedly attacked by Iran, as well as by the Houthi rebels, Tehran’s Yemen-based allies, and the Shiite militias in Iraq, since the war began on February 28. The conflict has also destabilized the security of Riyadh’s Gulf allies and has largely halted most maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the route through which roughly a fifth of the world’s energy supply previously transited before the war. The pact came after nearly a year of negotiations, Reuters reported in January. The bases The Middle East has been mired in conflict for almost three years since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Tel Aviv’s subsequent genocide, and virtually all regional countries have suffered cross-border attacks, with missiles or drone strikes. Israel has waged a war in Gaza, invaded southern Lebanon, and taken territory in Syria, in addition to launching two air campaigns against Iran. Tehran has attacked U.S. bases and civil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, and Israel. While Turkey and Pakistan, countries bordering the region, have avoided significant direct attacks, both are keen to appease conflicts that threaten their security and economy. For Saudi Arabia, the consequences of three years of Middle East conflict have been more severe: they have jeopardized their oil exports and ambitious development plans and raised serious questions about the reliability of their traditional U.S. security protection. Coordinated imminent attacks are anticipated from both Iraqi militias and the Iran-backed Houthi movement, a Saudi official said on Thursday, underscoring Riyadh’s interest in expanding its alliances. The signing of the agreement on Friday in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam, gives greater symbolic weight to a pact rooted in the long-standing bilateral military ties among the three countries. Mansoor Ahmed of the Strategic and Defense Studies Center at the Australian National University said Pakistan and Turkey bring strong defense industries, while Saudi Arabia could contribute with technological investment. However, the agreement is likely not to include a nuclear component, given Pakistan’s atomic deterrence focuses on what it sees as the India threat, Ahmed added. Pakistan has provided training and technical assistance to Saudi forces for decades, while Turkey and Pakistan have exchanged warships and trainer aircraft. In 2023, Riyadh agreed to purchase Turkish drones in what Ankara called its largest defense export contract. Since then, Pakistan has deployed about 8,000 soldiers, combat aircraft, drones, and a missile defense system in the kingdom, Reuters reported in May, and has sought to expand its security ties with Gulf countries. In July, Reuters reported that it had begun talks with Kuwait for an expanded pact in exchange for energy cooperation and investments. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Foreign Ministry have not commented on the news.

A member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee in the Iranian Parliament, Ibrahim Rezaei, warned Saudi Arabia that its defense agreement with Turkey and Pakistan "will not bring them security," calling on it to "correct its policies rather than rely on others." The "Mecca Joint Defense Agreement" between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan opens the door to a new security equation in the region, as an analysis by CNN reads it as a message to Tehran, while Iran’s initial response downplays its importance and labels it a "paper agreement" that will not bring security to the Kingdom. Conversely, the three countries affirm that the agreement is purely defensive and aims to strengthen collective deterrence without targeting any particular country or entity. A warning message to Tehran. CNN, in an analysis by writer Abbas Al-Luwati, said that the pact signed in Mecca represents a warning to Tehran, noting that any large-scale new attack on Saudi Arabia could trigger the collective defense clauses and draw Turkey and Pakistan into the conflict, greatly widening the war. This reading comes after a Saudi official told the network yesterday that the Kingdom is preparing for a large, coordinated attack carried out by Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Yemen, with support from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. CNN had earlier reported that Tehran warned Gulf states that renewed US strikes would provoke a retaliatory response targeting energy facilities or desalination plants across the region. While the signatories insist that the agreement is defensive in nature and not aimed at Iran or any other party, the network views its timing and the collective defense clause as giving it direct significance in the context of Iranian threats surrounding Saudi Arabia. Rezaei: "The Paper Agreement Will Not Bring Security" In Iran’s first response to the agreement, Ibrahim Rezaei, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament, warned that the joint defense agreement would not guarantee Saudi security. Rezaei wrote on the X platform: "The Saudis must know that the paper agreement with Turkey and Pakistan will not bring them security, just as granting privileges to the Americans unilaterally for years did not bring them security. Please correct your policies so you do not have to beg for security from others." His comment indicates Tehran read the agreement within the security shifts imposed by the war, despite Riyadh, Ankara, and Islamabad insisting that it is not directed against any country. A New Protective Umbrella for Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia has strengthened its defense system by attracting two of the strongest military powers in the Muslim world as the Iranian war’s repercussions approach the Kingdom. In Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed a joint defense agreement modeled on NATO, turning their long-standing security ties into a collective defense alliance. The agreement states that any attack on one of the three states is an attack on all of them, which could drag Turkey and Pakistan into a war they have long sought to avoid. The agreement provides Saudi Arabia with a new and strong layer of protection that goes beyond its long-standing security partnership with the United States, amid growing regional doubts about continuing to rely on Washington to protect its Gulf allies rich in oil. The pact also strengthens a deterrent against Iran and provides a unified military framework to confront the rising Iranian threat, at a time when Israel is expanding its military movements in the region, and when relations between Riyadh and neighboring United Arab Emirates are tense. Saudi Denies Targeting Any Country Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister for Public Diplomacy Reza Al-Qurimli said the agreement is not connected to any nuclear ambitions and does not pose a threat to any country in the region. He wrote on X: "The agreement does not represent any intention to build a military bloc or a sectarian or doctrinal alliance, nor is it tied to nuclear ambitions or an arms race, but rather to developing sustainable autonomous capabilities." He stressed that the agreement is "not a threat to the security of any country in the region, nor a escalation of tensions between any two states." Al-Qurimli explained that the agreement allows the three countries to "develop joint defensive capabilities and strategic deterrence and raise readiness, and to work on developing and integrating the three states’ defensive capabilities to jointly confront any threat to their security and territorial integrity." He added that it does not come at the expense of Saudi strategic relations in the Gulf, Arab, and international arenas, nor does it cancel or replace any bilateral or multilateral agreements among these states or with other states or organizations. Turkey: The Agreement Is Purely Defensive The Turkish state media also cited a Turkish official confirming that the defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is purely defensive and not directed at any party, stressing that "the agreement does not cancel or replace any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements and is open to other regional countries." Meanwhile, Turkey’s Presidency’s Communications Directorate head, broadcast on X, said: "Mecca Agreement, which does not target any particular state, will reinforce the security and collective deterrence of the three states, thus making major contributions to maintaining peace and stability in our region." Pakistan: Attacking a State Is Attacking All Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry affirmed that the Mecca Agreement aims to enhance collective deterrence against any attack, and states that any armed attack on any of the three states would be considered an attack on all of them. Turkey and Pakistan’s Calculations with Iran Turkey and Pakistan share land borders with Iran and have strong reasons to prevent the conflict from escalating. Pakistan must manage the large Shiite population and its sensitive relationship with Tehran, while Turkey and Iran share concerns about Kurdish separatist movements, despite competing in other parts of the region. But treating any attack on one of the three states as an attack on all three could force Ankara and Islamabad into a broad confrontation if Saudi Arabia were attacked. Repeated Attacks on Saudi Arabia Iran has repeatedly attacked targets inside Saudi Arabia during the war, including civilian infrastructure, energy facilities, and American interests. Direct Iranian attacks on the kingdom have fallen sharply since the April 8 ceasefire, but Iran-backed groups in Yemen and Iraq continued to target Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan sign a mutual defense pact amid heightened tensions in the Middle East The Sunni Muslim United States allies have agreed that any military aggression suffered by one of them will be considered an attack on all, according to the document signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan in Mecca on Friday, August 7. The pact, which aims to “strengthen collective deterrence,” comes at a time of tensions in the Middle East over the conflicts in Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon. Any military attack against Saudi Arabia, Turkey, or Pakistan will be considered an aggression against the three nations from this Friday, August 7, following a pact signed by the leaders of these countries. "The agreement is intended to reinforce collective deterrence against any act of aggression and stipulates that any armed attack against any of the three States will be considered an attack against all of them," said identical statements from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish presidency communications directorate. The pact was signed in Mecca during a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. To display this X (Twitter) content, you must allow audience and advertising measurement cookies. This is an agreement among three notable actors on the international stage, all Sunni Muslim: Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s oil empires; Pakistan, a nuclear power; and Turkey, which has the second-largest army in NATO and a rapidly growing defense industry. The so-called Mecca Joint Defense Agreement "provides for the enhancement of all aspects of defense cooperation among the three states," the statements indicated. This includes the possibility of conducting joint military exercises and training, technology transfers, and intelligence sharing, as previously reported by Turkish media. The official statements did not offer details about the commitments or obligations each party has accepted under the rubric of the document. However, a Turkish government official described the agreement as having a "purely defensive nature." The official, who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to comment on the topic, stressed that the treaty "is not against any specific actor" and that it was open to other countries in the region joining. He also noted that it does not repeal or replace any bilateral or multilateral agreement among these states or with other countries and organizations. Saudi Foreign Ministry Deputy Secretary for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly assured that "the agreement does not represent an attempt to establish a military axis or sectarian bloc. It is also not tied to nuclear ambitions or an arms race," as he wrote on X. Erdogan traveled to Saudi Arabia on Friday, while the Pakistani president arrived on Thursday for a three-day visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes the army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry stated that Sharif’s visit goes beyond the immediate crisis caused by the war in Iran, as its aim is to strengthen bilateral ties and push for coordination on regional and international matters. It was expected that the three leaders would explore the possibility of expanding trade, economic ties, and broader security cooperation, according to official sources. The pact follows nearly a year of negotiations, Reuters reported in January. Deterrence amid wartime tensions The pact arrives at a time of regional tension due to the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran last February, which has led, among other things, to the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Saudi Arabia, whose critical infrastructure and oil facilities have been targeted within the conflict, has been seeking to diversify its defense partnerships. To that end, in September 2025 it signed a mutual defense pact with Pakistan, which also defines an attack against either nation as an aggression against both. Additionally, Saudi Arabia — the world’s largest OPEC producer — is facing another maritime blockade, this time imposed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who accuse Riyadh of controlling their airspace and waters, as well as bombing Sana’a International Airport in mid-July. Since then, the Houthis have launched repeated attacks on Saudi territory — especially on energy infrastructure — and against oil tankers linked to Riyadh in the Red Sea, prompting the Saudi monarchy to establish last week the Multinational Maritime Security Alliance. With the Hormuz Strait closed, Saudi Arabia redirected about 70% of its oil exports through the Red Sea. A senior Saudi official said on Thursday that imminent coordinated attacks were expected from both Iraqi militias and the Houthis under Iranian supervision, underscoring Riyadh’s interest in expanding its defense alliances. Long-standing ties The document signed in Mecca is part of a long-standing, strengthened military cooperation. Pakistan has provided training and technical assistance to Saudi forces for decades. It has even deployed around 8,000 soldiers, combat aircraft, drones, and an air defense system to the Gulf kingdom. Meanwhile, Turkey and Pakistan have expressed a desire to deepen security cooperation with exchanges of warships and training aircraft. In 2023, Riyadh agreed to purchase Turkish drones, which Ankara described as its largest defense export contract. In Iran, which shares one of the most entrenched rivalries in the Middle East with Saudi Arabia, some officials greeted the pact with skepticism. Ebrahim Rezaei, Iranian deputy and member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, stated on X that "the Saudis must know that a paper agreement with Turkey and Pakistan will not provide them security, just as years of unilateral support for the United States did not provide them security." The official addressed the kingdom’s authorities directly by suggesting that they "reform their policies so they do not have to beg for security from others." With Reuters, AP, and EFE.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan sign a defense pact By: Arturo González Friday, August 7, 2026 Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed this Friday in the holy city of Mecca a trilateral defense agreement to bolster the security of their nations against any attack, with the understanding that if any one of these three countries suffers an offense, it will be considered an aggression against all of them. The so-called Mecca Joint Defense Agreement was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The pact also provides for strengthening all aspects of defense cooperation among the three countries, which are participating as mediators to bring an end to wars in Iran and in the Gaza Strip. (FAGG) Related Public health authorities allow resumption of lettuce consumption in Michigan Public health authorities allow resumption of lettuce consumption in Michigan Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan sign defense pact Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan sign defense pact Diplomatic relations resumed between Mexico and Peru Diplomatic relations resumed between Mexico and Peru A youth kills classmates in a school shooting and his grandparents at home, in Thailand A youth kills classmates in a school shooting and his grandparents at home, in Thailand

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan pledge mutual defence as Middle East turmoil escalates Trilateral Defence Pact Amid Rising Regional Tensions By Timour Azhari, Ariba Shahid and Tuvan Gumrukcu RIYADH/KARACHI/ANKARA, Aug 7 - Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed a joint defence agreement in Mecca on Friday, wedding Sunni Muslim U.S. allies alarmed at a regional conflagration that has brought Iranian missile fire onto Gulf oil exporters. Iran and its allies have been firing on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, and blockading their energy shipments, since the U.S. and Israel attacked it on February 28 in a major escalation after years of regional tumult. The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement The "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement" is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression and stipulates that an armed attack against any of the three would be regarded as an attack on all, they said in a joint statement. Details and Ambiguities However, the statement did not give specifics on the commitments each had accepted and it was not clear how far their agreement would bind them to any particular military action in each other's defence. Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said the agreement was not aimed at any specific country. A Turkish official added that it was purely defensive and did not abrogate any existing agreements the countries had with other states. Shared Concerns and Regional Context The three nations share concerns about the increasingly aggressive military stances of both Israel and revolutionary Shi'ite Iran, as their longtime U.S. ally struggles to contain regional upheaval that has caused a global energy crisis. Powerful Political Symbolism "Three of the Muslim world's most influential states are convening at a moment of heightened uncertainty, demonstrating a growing willingness among regional and middle powers to coordinate more closely on security matters," said Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Gulf Research Center, a Saudi-based think tank. "The trilateral framework could strengthen the three countries' collective diplomatic and defense weight while contributing to the emergence of a more regionally driven security architecture," Sager added. Military Capabilities and Roles Turkey has NATO's second-largest military. Saudi Arabia is home to Islam's holiest sites and one of the world's top oil exporters, while Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed Muslim country. Clarifications on Intentions However, Rayed Krimly, Saudi deputy minister for public diplomacy, said in a social media post that the accord does not represent an effort to establish a military axis or a sectarian bloc. "Nor is it linked to any nuclear ambitions or arms race," he said. Pakistan's Defence Commitments Although Pakistan agreed a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia last year, it has not responded to Iran's attacks on the kingdom militarily. It has also played down suggestions its nuclear deterrent might be extended to allies, saying last year of its pact with Saudi Arabia that atomic weapons were "not on the radar". Both Pakistan and Turkey have also voiced support for a maritime defence coalition Saudi Arabia has announced to protect regional shipping and energy routes. Friday's pact was signed in Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and follows nearly a year of negotiations, reported by Reuters in January. Pact Builds on Longstanding Military Ties The Middle East has been in flames for nearly three years since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Regional Conflict Escalation Israel has waged war in Gaza, invaded southern Lebanon and seized territory in Syria as well as launching two air campaigns against Iran. Tehran has fired on Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan and Israel. While Turkey and Pakistan, on the fringes of the Middle East, have avoided significant direct attacks, both are anxious to calm conflicts that threaten their own security and economies. Saudi Arabia's Strategic Concerns For Saudi Arabia, three years of Middle East conflicts have imperiled its oil exports and ambitious development plans and drawn big questions over the reliability of its longstanding U.S. security umbrella. Expert Analysis Burcu Ozcelik, senior research fellow for Middle East Security at the RUSI think tank, said the agreement was focused on counterbalancing Iranian hegemony in the region and building deterrence against Israel rather than moving towards a confrontation with Tehran. "I think the objective is very much the opposite," Ozcelik said. Military Cooperation and Assistance Pakistan has provided training and technical assistance to Saudi forces for decades, while Turkey and Pakistan have exchanged warships and training aircraft. Saudi Arabia is a major purchaser of drones from Turkey. Pakistan has deployed about 8,000 troops, fighter jets, drones and an air-defence system to the kingdom and opened negotiations with Kuwait to provide security in exchange for energy cooperation and investment. International Reactions Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office declined to comment. A spokesperson for India's Foreign Ministry said the pact was a development that the country was closely following. Iran did not immediately comment. (By Timour Azhari, Ariba Shahid, Tuvan Gumrukcu and Samia Nakhoul; Additional reporting by Daren Butler, Maha El-Dahan, Ramiy Ayyub, Menna Alaa El Din and Saurabh Sharma; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Sharon Singleton)

The governor of the Central Bank of Iran, Abdul Nasser Hemmati, responded to remarks by U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin (Note: The name in Arabic is سكوت بيسنت, which corresponds to Scott Pensant/Steven Mnuchin; here I will translate as Steven Mnuchin, the commonly referenced U.S. Treasury Secretary), stating that inflation in Iran could reach 150 to 180 percent and a potential agreement between Tehran and Washington, that the Iranian economy faces serious problems, but the U.S. economy also faces significant risks. Hemmati said on Friday, August 7: “Regardless of whether this agreement is reached or not, these statements contradict some previous positions regarding the imminent collapse of the Iranian economy.” He attributed the conditions resulting from the war and economic pressures as factors that worsen inflation and unemployment, and said that the Iranian economy still faces serious problems. The head of the Central Bank of Iran also stressed that the publication of the U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, developments in gasoline prices, and other macroeconomic indicators show that the U.S. economy also faces “great pressures and risks.” Hemmati added that the central bank seeks to control liquidity growth, inflation, and exchange-rate fluctuations, and to prevent financing the budget deficit from central bank resources.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed a defence agreement that would treat an attack on one as an attack on all three, officials said, solidifying cooperation between the three regional powers at a time of growing security concerns. The agreement was signed in the Saudi holy city of Mecca on Friday by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to statements from all three countries. The agreement between the three Sunni Muslim-majority states brings together oil-rich Saudi Arabia and nuclear power Pakistan as well as Turkey, which has Nato’s second-largest army and a rapidly growing defence industry. It would increase cooperation and deterrence at a time of increased regional uncertainty and threats from the war in Iran. “The agreement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression, and stipulates that any armed attack against any one of the three states shall be regarded as an attack against them all,” the statements read. “It further provides for the enhancement of all aspects of defence cooperation among the three States,” the statements said, adding that the agreement was called the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. Saudi Arabia, whose critical infrastructure and oil facilities have come under attack as part of the war in Iran, has been looking to diversify its defence partnerships. In September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defence pact that also defines any attack on either nation as an attack on both. The agreement also comes amid rising tensions between Turkey and Israel over Gaza and other regional conflicts, including the war in Iran and Lebanon. The deal highlights how far relations between Saudi Arabia and Turkey have shifted toward alignment and partnership, after being highly strained just a few years ago, including over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul by Saudi operatives. In Iran, Ebrahim Rezaei, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, criticised the deal on X, saying it would not bring security to Saudi Arabia. “The Saudis should know that a paper agreement with Turkey and Pakistan will not bring them security, just as years of one-sided ‘milking’ by the Americans did not bring them security. Change your policies so that you do not have to #BegForSecurity from others,” he wrote. A statement from Saudi Arabia insisted that the agreement does not amount to a military pact and would not affect the kingdom’s existing partnerships. “The agreement does not represent any orientation toward building a military axis or sectarian/religious bloc, and it is not linked to nuclear endeavours or an arms race, but rather to building sustainable self-reliant capabilities,” the statement read. “The agreement does not come at the expense of the Kingdom’s strategic and strong relations at the Gulf, Arab, and international levels.” A Turkish government official described the agreement as “purely defensive in nature”, saying the sides have pledged mutual support only for defence. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss the issue publicly, insisted that the deal is “not against any specific actor” and was open for other regional countries to join. The agreement does not abrogate or replace any bilateral or multilateral agreements between these states or with other states and organisations, the official added. In addition to the three countries’ commitment to supporting one another’s security, the agreement seeks to enhance defence industry cooperation and military coordination, another Turkish official said. In Islamabad, defence analyst Abdullah Khan described the agreement as a natural evolution and formalisation of decades of strategic ties among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, saying a changing regional security environment and the evolving nature of warfare had increased the need for closer cooperation. Mr Khan said the pact was “purely defensive” and not directed against any country, with collective deterrence intended to raise the cost of aggression and prevent conflict. The analyst said the three countries bring complementary strengths to the arrangement: Pakistan’s military experience and expertise in managing escalation, Saudi Arabia’s economic strength and regional influence, and Turkey’s advanced defence technology and industrial capabilities. Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, director of the Ankara office for The German Marshall Fund think tank, said the agreement was the culmination of the countries’ shared concerns over regional fragmentation, civil conflict, and armed non-state groups. “This is a reflection of their growing desire for greater regional stability,” Mr Unluhisarcikli said. “They see state fragmentation, civil conflict, an environment of non-state actors as sources of instability.” Mr Unluhisarcikli said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have varying degrees of concerns over Iran and Israel: Pakistan is geographically removed, and while Turkey and Saudi Arabia both see Iran and Israel as destabilising, Ankara is more concerned about Israel and Riyadh more concerned about Iran. “At the end of the day, all three countries are concerned about instability,” he said.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan Sign Trilateral Defense Pact in Mecca According to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, the pact states that any armed attack against one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all, establishing a framework for collective defense. ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed a trilateral defense agreement on Friday aimed at strengthening military cooperation and collective deterrence amid growing regional security challenges, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry announced. The agreement was signed in the holy city of Mecca during a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, the pact states that any armed attack against one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all, establishing a framework for collective defense. "The agreement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression," the ministry said, adding that it also provides for enhanced cooperation across all aspects of defense between the three countries. The trilateral pact brings together Saudi Arabia, a key Gulf power; Pakistan, the Muslim world's only nuclear-armed state; and Turkey, which possesses NATO's second-largest military and a rapidly expanding defense industry. Turkish media reported that the agreement is expected to include provisions for joint military exercises, defense training, intelligence sharing, and technology transfers. The deal comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its defense partnerships following attacks on its critical infrastructure and oil facilities during the conflict involving Iran. It also follows a bilateral mutual defense pact signed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September, under which an attack on either country is considered an attack on both. The agreement was signed against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions, including the war involving Iran, as well as ongoing disputes between Turkey and Israel over Gaza and other regional conflicts. Sharif arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a three-day visit accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Pakistan's Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. In addition to defense cooperation, the three leaders are expected to discuss efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, expand trade and economic ties, and strengthen coordination on regional and international issues. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said Sharif's visit extends beyond the current Gulf crisis and is intended to deepen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation on broader strategic issues.

Move towards a caldron in the Middle East. Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sealed today a defense pact to “strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression,” according to the joint statement issued to announce the agreement. The pact —signed in the holy city of Mecca by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman— reinforces the creation of a Sunni Islamic power axis at a moment marked by geopolitical tensions stemming from Iran’s conflict and Israel’s expansionism. The three countries forming this new alliance are prominent military powers. Turkey, a NATO member, has a large troop presence and a very active defense industry. Its army is one of the ten most powerful in the world, according to the ranking compiled by consulting firm Firepower. Saudi Arabia is a step behind in that regard, but thanks to its oil exports, it possesses enormous financial resources that allow it to acquire the most advanced military technology. And Pakistan —which already signed a defense pact with Riyadh last September— stands out for being the only Muslim state with nuclear weapons. The pact is the result of nearly a year of negotiations and materializes at a time when the Iran war has laid bare the vulnerability of the Gulf states, which until now had relied on the protective shield of the United States. Since the conflict began with Israel, Washington has shown itself unable to protect its regional allies against Tehran’s attacks. In addition to the blows inflicted by Iranian drones and missiles, the petrodollar monarchies have suffered economic losses caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil previously flowed. For Saudi Arabia this conflict is especially dangerous: today it has reported that it anticipates being the target of coordinated attacks by Iraqi militias and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, groups backed by Iran. The agreement also comes as Israel is in full swing to redefine its position as the hegemonic power in the Middle East. The Gaza War, which remains far from resolved despite the peace plan promoted by Donald Trump, has given wings to Israeli expansionism, setting the stage for future clashes with the rest of the region’s countries, among them Turkey, which is already shaping up as Tel Aviv’s new bete noire. There is no doubt that this instability has helped speed up the launch of this alliance, about which speculation had been circulating for some time. In fact, in recent months Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan had already tightened ties through an informal diplomatic bloc aimed at supporting Islamabad’s mediation efforts in the Iranian conflict. Egypt had also participated in this initiative, so it cannot be ruled out that the country will eventually join the new pact. To reach the Mecca agreement, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have had to set aside their differences, not few. In recent years, the relationship between the two countries has been marked by rivalry in various areas. Ankara’s support for the Arab Spring was a constant source of friction with Riyadh, which saw the rise of political Islam as a threat. The two states also clashed in the Libyan war, where they backed opposing sides, and over the blockade that Saudi Arabia and its allies imposed on Qatar in 2017. The killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul was another major focal point of tensions. Now it will have to be seen what exactly the new pact translates into, whose details have not yet been disclosed. According to Turkish media, the agreement is likely to allow joint military exercises and trainings, technology transfers, and intelligence sharing. Likewise, in today’s joint statement it is stated that the pact “stipulates that any armed attack against any of the three states will be considered an attack against all of them.” That is, it would include a mutual defense clause, as already provided by the agreement signed a few months ago by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan — and which has not been activated during the Iran war. If this is really the case, one could begin to speak of the birth of an Islamic NATO.

An armed attack on any of the three countries will be aggression against all of them, according to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A new defense agreement states that an armed attack against Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, or Turkey will be considered aggression against all of them. This clause is the central axis of the pact signed among the three nations. The document was officially named the “Joint Defense Agreement of Mecca.” The initiative links the three countries within the context of the Middle East conflict. OTHER NEWS: The signing took place during a meeting held in Saudi Arabia. Attending the gathering were Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The agreement was signed in the city of Mecca. The signing of the document occurred today, as reported by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. OTHER NEWS: According to the Pakistani ministry, the pact aims to deepen cooperation among the three regional powers. It also seeks to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression in a context of growing concerns about regional security.

The mutual defense treaty signed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on September 17, 2025 at the Al-Yamamah Palace has taken on a new dimension. Turkey has now joined this alliance, formalized in Mecca during exchanges between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This inclusion places a NATO member into a pact that also brings together a nuclear power and the Arab world’s first economy. Index Mecca Agreement: guarantees and Pakistani presence Public information as of August 7, 2026 still announced a meeting of the three leaders in Jeddah, while other reports placed the signing in Mecca. Since then, the agreement has been presented as concluded under the name Mecca Agreement, though its full text has not been made public. However, the available elements describe a substantially more binding cooperation than the ordinary military partnerships maintained up to now by Riyadh, Ankara, and Islamabad, although national procedures for employing the forces remain applicable in each country. Any armed attack against any of the three states must be regarded as an attack against all signatories, based on the right of collective self-defense acknowledged by Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. This formulation establishes a collective guarantee that covers territories from Anatolia to South Asia, via the Arabian Peninsula. However, it does not specify the nature of the assistance expected, the response timelines, or the conditions under which Turkish, Saudi, or Pakistani forces could be deployed. Since April 2026, publicly unverified reports indicate the presence in Saudi Arabia of 8,000 troops from Islamabad, 16 JF-17 Block III fighter aircraft, a drones squadron, and HQ-9 air defense systems. These means would have been mobilized particularly during Iranian attacks against the kingdom. Nevertheless, their deployment, level of readiness, and chain of command have not been officially detailed, making it impossible to determine the exact scope of the Pakistani component or its degree of integration with Saudi forces. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan: military cooperation The headquarters of the three countries must now institutionalize intelligence sharing and coordinate their regional security activities more closely. The agreement also provides for advanced tactical training and joint exercises across land, air, naval, and cyber domains. Such cooperation should facilitate interoperability among forces that continue to use equipment and doctrines of diverse origins. However, no trilateral permanent command has been announced, no automatic deployment obligation, and no public protocol distinguishing political consultation from armed assistance. Separately, manufacturing partnerships should cover military equipment, unmanned systems, and electronic warfare countermeasures. Riyadh can contribute its financial capabilities and procurement needs, while Turkey has an industry producing drones, missiles, armored vehicles, and naval vessels. Pakistan completes this set with its operational experience, its own military productions, and its status as a nuclear power. The realization of announced projects could reduce certain dependencies on external suppliers, though not eliminate them in the short term. The Turkish Armed Forces constitute the second-largest army in NATO by personnel and already operate in Syria, Iraq, the Black Sea, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Ankara also contributes an air and electronics base developed around groups such as Turkish Aerospace, Roketsan, and Aselsan. However, its membership in the Atlantic Alliance does not extend NATO guarantees to its two new partners. The Mecca Agreement remains legally separate from the Washington Treaty and cannot commit Turkey’s other allies in a Riyadh- or Islamabad-related crisis. Pakistan is the only member of the trio with nuclear weapons, but no text published confirms the existence of a nuclear shield granted to the other two signatories of the agreement. At the same time, Islamabad reinforces its role as a military supplier in the Middle East, especially with the JF-17 and HQ-9 systems acquired by Riyadh according to available information. This relationship extends decades of cooperation between Saudi and Pakistani forces. It now offers a common framework for exchanges that were previously conducted mainly through bilateral agreements. Turkish capabilities and possible expansion of the pact The Pakistani Army and Air Force are also evaluating Turkey’s SİPER air defense system, developed by Roketsan, Aselsan, and TÜBİTAK SAGE. A Turkish demonstration is announced in the coming months, but Ankara or Islamabad have not confirmed any purchase decision. Pakistan has publicly expressed interest in Turkish Aerospace’s KAAN fighter program, whose first prototype flew in February 2024. However, the modalities of any potential Pakistani participation have not yet been defined. Riyadh already maintains security consultations with Egypt and Qatar, while Kuwait, Jordan, and Morocco already participate in a maritime coalition dedicated to the Bab el-Mandeb strait. These relationships provide possible avenues for expanded Sunni cooperation, though they do not currently constitute bids for the trilateral pact. Egypt, the Arab world’s leading military power and guardian of the Suez Canal, would have particular leverage. Nevertheless, no adhesion from Cairo, Doha, Kuwait, Jordan, Morocco, or Iraq has been announced. The absence of an integrated command structure, detailed operational obligations, and common procedures continues to clearly differentiate this alliance from NATO. On the other hand, the United Arab Emirates remain absent from the announced agreements, while Saudi Arabia continues to rely on the United States and on suppliers such as South Korea or Ukraine for certain essential capabilities. Nonetheless, the commissioning of Saudi resources, Turkish industry, and Pakistani forces gives rise to a military axis that links the Middle East, the Caucasus, and South Asia, whose future autonomy will depend on the concrete implementation of the agreement.

In a major strategic shift, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkey signed a landmark trilateral defense agreement during a summit in Mecca. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan inked the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Under the terms of the pact, any armed attack against any one of the three signatory nations will be treated as an attack against all three, establishing a framework for mutual defense and collective security. Commonly known as “Islamic NATO,” this trio alliance brings together three distinct strategic powers in the Muslim world. Saudi Arabia provides massive financial resources, regional influence, and economic capital, while Türkey contributes a highly advanced, NATO-standard defense industry. Pakistan brings battle-tested armed forces and its nuclear-armed Muslim state. According to the joint official statement, the agreement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against potential foreign aggression, mandate mutual defense, and significantly enhance all aspects of defense, intelligence, and military-industrial cooperation among the three member states. The security pact responds directly to heightened instability and ongoing conflict in West Asia and the Middle East. Over recent years, critical infrastructure, petroleum facilities, and trade routes in Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region have come under repeated missile and drone attacks from regional networks and proxy groups, including the Houthis. These attacks have inflicted billions of dollars in damage and exposed critical vulnerabilities in regional defense. By forming a collective deterrence pact, Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its security architecture, reduce reliance on external Western powers, and create a strong, unified defense coalition capable of discouraging hostile actions from state actors such as Iran as well as non-state militant groups. The agreement aims to deter potential aggressors through several strategic mechanisms. First, the core collective security clause creates a major calculation risk for any potential adversary, who must now weigh the reality that an attack on one state could trigger a combined military response from all three. Second, by leveraging Türkey’s sophisticated defense production capabilities such as advanced drones and missile defense systems alongside Saudi financial backing, the bloc can rapidly modernize its combined hardware. Furthermore, enhanced military interoperability, shared threat intelligence, and joint training exercises will make border monitoring and drone interception significantly more effective. Ultimately, combining nuclear deterrence, large standing conventional forces, and vast economic leverage provides a formidable shield designed to preserve regional stability and safeguard critical borders and infrastructure.\ Shamshad Ali is a New Delhi–based journalist with over six years of experience spanning breaking news writing, on-the-ground reporting, and editing. When he isn’t chasing headlines, Shamshad is usually exploring new destinations, discovering hidden culinary gems, and striking up conversations with strangers. Many of whom turn out to be great sources, and even better friends. He can be reached at [email protected]. Team India will start their quest for ascendancy on Day 2 of the three-day practice… Candidates fulfilling the eligibility criteria can submit their applications online from August 7 to August…

As regional security tensions continue to mount amid the protracted conflict between Iran and the United States, the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey came together on August 7 to sign a joint defense agreement in order to "strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression." The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement stipulates that "any armed attack against any one of the three states shall be regarded as an attack against them all," said Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on August 7. Signed by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the Saudi city of Mecca, the trilateral pact comes at a time of growing uncertainty in the Middle East, with no immediate end in sight to the confrontation between Tehran and Washington. The agreement reflects the shared commitment of the three states to further strengthen their collective security and to "promote peace, security and stability in the region and beyond in pursuit of a secure and prosperous future," the ministry said in a statement. Discussions over the agreement took nearly a year. Masoud Alfak, a Riyadh-based analyst, described the agreement as a "major development in the region's security architecture." The war in the Middle East has "created a new regional security environment, and I believe this new environment is one of the main reasons for forming this alliance," Alfak told RFE/RL's Radio Farda. "These countries believe they face common threats, and they think this partnership can serve as a deterrent," said Alfak, adding that he believed the "primary objective is to promote regional security and stability rather than seeking confrontation or joining wars." Calling the agreement "a converging vision," Turkish daily newspaper Sabah wrote in its February 1 editorial that such a pact was necessary in light of Israel's actions in Gaza and the Golan Heights, deteriorating relations between Gulf capitals and Washington, separatist activities, terrorism, and proxies in the region. "All the three actors are firmly opposed to separatism and terrorism in the region, and they increasingly view sustainable defense-industrial cooperation as a strategic necessity rather than a commercial luxury," wrote the Turkish newspaper, which added that the long-term partnerships would encompass coproduction, technology transfer, and capacity-building, as well as security. Analysts point to the shared views of Riyadh, Islamabad, and Ankara on separatist tendencies and movements within their borders or neighborhoods as one of the key converging factors in bringing them together. Saudi Arabia, for example, backs the Yemeni government against the Iran-backed Houthis. Riyadh has also deepened its cooperation with Egypt and Somalia to counter the separatist movement in Somaliland. Pakistan, on the other hand, is faced with a low-level insurgency wherein the ethnic Baloch are fighting for independence from Islamabad. "Shared threat perceptions and converging visions naturally draw like-minded actors closer together," Sabah wrote. Last month, the tiny state of Kuwait ratified a defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan, which was originally signed by the two sides in June 2023. Under the agreement, Kuwait and Pakistan will start military cooperation, including training, intelligence sharing and joint military exercises. Since the United States and Israel launched first strikes on Iran on February 28, Kuwait -- along with other neighboring Gulf states -- has been a frequent target of missile and drone strikes launched by Iran in retaliation. By signing a pact with Pakistan, a militarily strong country, Kuwait could seek protection. In September 2025, Saudi Arabia also signed an agreement with Pakistan. Under the terms of the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA), the two sides agreed that "any aggression against either country shall be considered an act of aggression against both." The SMDA enables Saudi Arabia to strengthen its defense with the help of Pakistani troops and their expertise in modern technologies such as drones, while Pakistan would greatly benefit from Saudi funding for its fragile economy and military industries. For Turkey, joining the trilateral agreement would "secure Saudi capital for its own military manufacturing while pursuing co-production with or sales to Pakistan," says former Pakistani ambassador to the United States Hussain Haqqani. "Turkey is not leaving NATO. Instead, it is cultivating a parallel partnership to enhance strategic flexibility and bargaining power." To help stabilize its foreign reserves, Saudi Arabia announced an $8 billion financial support package for Pakistan in April. The Jeddah-based Saudi Gazette daily newspaper reported that the financial support was meant to boost Pakistan's economic stability. For cash-strapped Pakistan, Haqqani says, defense ties with Saudi Arabia and potentially Turkey are a way to monetize its military expertise, transforming training, deployments, and arms sales into foreign exchange and budgetary relief.

Riyadh/Karachi/Ankara, August 7 — Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey forged a joint defense agreement in Mecca today, Friday, uniting U.S. allies among Sunni states concerned about the region’s rising tensions that have led to intensified missile attacks on oil-exporting Gulf states. Iran and its allies are conducting attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, and have been barring energy shipments since the U.S.-Israel strike on February 28, escalating after years of regional turmoil. Subscribe here. A joint statement said the pact aims to bolster collective deterrence against any act of aggression and stipulates that any armed attack on one of the three nations will be considered an attack on all of them. But the statement did not detail the commitments accepted by each party, nor was it clear to what extent the agreement would obligate them to take any specific military action for collective defense. Turkish Deputy President Fuat Oktay said the agreement does not target any particular state. A Turkish official added that the pact is purely defensive and does not negate existing agreements between these countries and others. The three countries are increasingly concerned about the growing aggressive military postures of Israel and Shiite Iran, as the United States — the three-way alliance’s common ally — seeks to contain the region’s turmoil that has led to a global energy crisis. Important political indicators Pursuing a highly significant political signal, Abdulaziz Saqr, head of the Gulf Studies Center, a Saudi research center, said, “Three of the world’s most influential Islamic states are meeting at a moment of rising uncertainty, indicating a growing desire… to coordinate on security issues.” Saqr added, “Perhaps the three-way framework will strengthen the alliance’s diplomatic and defense weight and contribute to the emergence of a security architecture led more by regional powers.” Turkey is a member of NATO and has the second-largest army among alliance members, while Saudi Arabia is the Gulf region’s strongest state and also one of the world’s largest oil exporters. Pakistan, meanwhile, is the only Muslim state with nuclear weapons. But Ambassador Rayed Qarmli, acting undersecretary for Public Diplomacy at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, wrote on social media that the agreement does not represent an attempt to form a military axis or sectarian bloc. He added that the agreement “is not linked to any nuclear ambitions or arms race.” Although Pakistan signed a joint defense pact with Saudi Arabia last year, it has not responded militarily to Iran’s attacks on the kingdom. Pakistan has also pushed back against speculation that its nuclear deterrence umbrella could extend to its allies, reiterating last year, when discussing its agreement with Saudi Arabia, that nuclear weapons are not on the table. Pakistan and Turkey also expressed support for a naval defense alliance announced by Saudi Arabia to protect maritime routes and energy transport corridors in the region. The agreement was signed today in Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after nearly a year of negotiations reported by Reuters in January. The pact rests on well-established military ties Middle East region has experienced ongoing upheavals for nearly three years since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel has waged war in Gaza, invaded south Lebanon, captured land in Syria, and conducted airstrikes against Iran. Tehran has attacked Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, and Israel. Although Turkey and Pakistan, located at the region’s periphery, have avoided major direct attacks, they seek to contain conflicts threatening their security and economic power. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has borne a heavier cost from three years of regional conflicts, with its oil exports and ambitious development plans at risk and questions growing about the reliability of long-standing U.S. security protections. Burcu Ozdemir, a senior researcher on Middle East security and a fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, said the agreement focuses on balancing Iranian hegemony in the region and reinforcing deterrence against Israel, not moving to confront Tehran. She added, “I think the objective is exactly the opposite.” For decades, Pakistan has provided training and technical assistance to Saudi forces, and Turkey and Pakistan have exchanged warships and training aircraft. Riyadh agreed in 2023 to purchase Turkish drones in a deal Ankara called the largest in its defense exports history. A Reuters report in May stated that Pakistan has deployed about eight thousand troops, fighter aircraft, drones, and a defense system in the Kingdom since then and has sought to broaden its security ties with Gulf states. A Reuters report in July noted that it had begun talks with Kuwait for a broader agreement in exchange for cooperation in energy and investment. No comment has yet been issued by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. An Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said India is closely watching the agreement, while there has been no response yet from Iran. Coverage by Samia Nakhoul, Darrin Jackson, and Maha Al-Dahan; prepared by Abdulrahman Al-Sola, with Arabic News Desk; edited by Ayman Saad Muslim. Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

In a significant development aimed at bolstering regional security, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have formalized a joint defense agreement during a high-profile meeting in Mecca. The accord, which asserts that an attack on one signatory would be considered an attack on all, reflects the three nations’ intent to strengthen their military cooperation in the face of escalating tensions in the region. The agreement was reached between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. With ongoing hostilities involving the United States and Iran affecting stability across the Middle East, the pact comes as maritime traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea faces increasing threats. This strategic channel is crucial for oil shipping, making its security a priority for the signatory nations. While Saudi Arabia and Pakistan previously forged a joint defense pact last year, the newly established Mecca Joint Defence Agreement builds on that foundation. A statement issued by the three countries emphasized the pact’s objective to “strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression” and highlighted that an armed attack against any of the parties will be treated as an assault on all. Additionally, the agreement aims to enhance various facets of defense collaboration among the trio. Despite the mutual pledge of support, specifics regarding the obligations of each member state remain vague. A Turkish official characterized the agreement as “purely defensive in nature,” suggesting that it is primarily focused on a coordinated response to potential external threats rather than an aggressive stance. Collectively, the partnership combines substantial strengths: Saudi Arabia’s financial resources and status as a major weapons buyer, Turkey’s robust military capacity as the second-largest force in NATO, and Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent capability. This coalition is particularly relevant as tensions in Iran persist. Following recent US and Israeli military actions targeting Iran, Tehran and its allies have retaliated, increasing attacks on Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia. Pakistan has played a diplomatic role in attempting to mediate between Iran and the United States, facilitating ceasefire negotiations that provided temporary reprieve from hostilities. However, renewed violence has marred the region, prompting Saudi Arabia to engage in joint military operations with the US against Iranian proxy forces believed to be launching attacks on Saudi territory. Simultaneously, the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where Iran-backed Houthi rebels are in violent opposition to the Saudi-led coalition supporting the Yemeni government, adds another layer of complexity. The Houthis recently declared a “maritime embargo” against Saudi Arabia, targeting critical infrastructure like airports and oil facilities in the region. In response, Saudi Arabia has escalated its military actions, conducting airstrikes on Houthi positions and forming a new naval coalition to safeguard maritime routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. As regional dynamics continue to shift, the newly signed defense pact among Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan demonstrates a strategic alignment, highlighting their shared interests in maintaining stability and security amidst a turbulent geopolitical landscape.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on Friday, committing themselves to closer security cooperation amid heightened instability across the Middle East. In a joint statement released by the Saudi Press Agency and Pakistan’s foreign ministry, the three governments reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collective security and promoting regional stability. According to Islamabad, the agreement includes a mutual defence clause under which an attack on one member would be regarded as an attack on all, with the aim of reinforcing collective deterrence. The agreement comes as Saudi Arabia reassesses its regional security strategy following the conflict between the United States and Iran, which has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea while increasing tensions across the Gulf. Although discussions on the agreement reportedly began well before the current crisis, officials indicated that recent regional developments accelerated its conclusion. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Mecca ahead of the signing ceremony, while Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir also travelled to Saudi Arabia for the event.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a joint defence agreement in Mecca on Friday, Pakistan's foreign ministry said, as the three countries sought to deepen security cooperation amid heightened military tensions and conflicts in the Middle East. The agreement says that any armed attack on any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against them all, the statement from the ministry said. The move marks a significant step in efforts by the three regional powers to deepen security cooperation amid growing tensions and the ongoing war between the United States and Iran. A Turkish official told Reuters that the agreement was defensive in nature, was not directed against any specific actor, was open to other regional countries, and did not abrogate or replace any existing bilateral or multilateral arrangements. A source close to the Saudi government and military, speaking anonymously to Agence France Presse (AFP), said that "the agreement has been under discussion for a long time, but recent developments in the region accelerated the process." Two additional regional sources with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed the planned timetable to Reuters. The closely watched summit brought together Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. "This agreement, based on the principle of collective deterrence, will contribute to cooperation in the fields of security and defense, joint projects in the defense industries, and the fight against terrorism," said Erdogan. "The agreement is not directed against any country. It is also open to the participation of brotherly countries that share the goal of advancing peace, prosperity, and stability in our region." Erdogan departed Ankara on Friday morning for a brief working visit, accompanied by senior Turkish officials. Sharif and Pakistan's army chief, Gen. Asim Munir, arrived in Saudi Arabia a day earlier, landing on Thursday and were received at Jeddah airport by the deputy governor of the Mecca region. Defense agreement goes 'beyond short-term considerations' A spokesperson for Pakistan's Foreign Ministry stressed that, despite tensions in the Gulf, the visit has "significance that goes beyond the immediate crisis and short-term considerations." According to a report from Turkiye Today, the agreement was a natural development in the increasingly close ties among the three countries, which are now drawing international attention. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a joint defense pact last year, a move that attracted considerable attention because of Pakistan's status as the only Muslim country possessing nuclear weapons. Turkey, meanwhile, has recently played an active diplomatic role in efforts to end the war in Gaza and, in late July, became one of 14 founding members of a Riyadh-led maritime defense coalition. The closer ties among the three countries come at an especially turbulent time in the Middle East. The war between Washington and Tehran has drawn Gulf states into the conflict and caused severe disruptions to maritime trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. The trilateral defense alliance, combining Saudi Arabia's economic power, Turkey's military strength, and Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, could reshape the regional balance of deterrence and serve as a significant counterweight to Iran on the international stage.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed a joint defence agreement in Mecca on Friday, uniting Sunni Muslim US allies concerned about a regional conflict that has brought missile attacks on Gulf oil exporters. Iran and its allies have been striking Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states and blocking their energy shipments since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Although Saudi Arabia and Pakistan already have a mutual defence agreement announced last year in September, the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Türkiye agreement is an expansion of the existing agreement. At the summit, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in signing the ‘Makkah Joint Defence Agreement,’ according to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office. The agreement aims to bolster collective deterrence against aggression and states that an armed attack on any one of the three countries will be treated as an attack on all of them. It also calls for expanding defence cooperation across all areas among the three states, the statement said. Responding to a question around the joint defence pact between three Islamic nations, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a press briefing on Friday said, “This is a development that we are closely following.” Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday held a telephonic conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussing the special strategic partnership and measures to further strengthen this bond. The two leaders also discussed developments in West Asia, although neither side mentioned any talks with regard to the joint defence pact between Pakistan-Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The Ministry of External Affairs on the talks between the two leaders said, “With Israel we have a special strategic partnership. During the conversation between the two Prime Ministers, it was discussed as to how we can further strengthen this bond, this friendship that we have with Israel across various sectors. Both leaders also discussed the ongoing situation and developments in West Asia.” By joining forces, Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have formed a trio in which each country brings distinct strengths: Saudi Arabia offers vast wealth and regional influence; Turkey possesses a NATO-standard military-industrial base and ranks among the world’s top drone manufacturers; and Pakistan holds nuclear weapons as the only nuclear-armed Islamic nation, along with a battle-tested military. Together, the alliance appears poised to reshape Asia’s security architecture, although Islamabad also plays a mediator role in the ongoing West Asia war, having cordial ties with Iran, which has repeatedly targeted Riyadh, which might prove catastrophic for Islamabad, with risk of being involved in Saudi disputes. Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in india news and world news on Zee News.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed today, Friday, in Makkah Al-Mukarramah the Joint Defense of Mecca Agreement, which aims to strengthen deterrence in facing any attack, according to a joint statement carried by the Saudi News Agency (SPA). The statement clarified that the agreement stipulates treating any armed attack on any one of the three countries as an attack on all of them, within the framework of enhancing their security and expanding the fields of defense cooperation among them. It added that signing the agreement reflects the three countries’ keenness to enhance their shared security and achieve security, peace, and stability in the region and the world, in pursuit of a safer and more prosperous future. What does the agreement mean? Al Jazeera’s correspondent Badr Al-Rubaian explained that the agreement differs from existing bilateral defense agreements, including the Saudi-Pakistan defense pact, as it establishes a trilateral defense framework that brings Riyadh, Ankara, and Islamabad together and is based on the principle of collective defense, whereby any attack on any of the three countries is considered an attack on the defense system as a whole. The correspondent added that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement came as the culmination of ongoing political and diplomatic momentum, in light of developments in the region and rising concerns related to regional security and the safety of sea lanes. Al-Rubaian also quoted Saudi sources as saying that the trilateral defense agreement was the major file at the Mecca summit, noting that work on it persisted for about two years and included continuous technical and political meetings. According to sources, the period ahead may see the creation of a general secretariat and a headquarters to manage and organize its activities, while Riyadh is initially proposing a location for this framework. Al-Rubaian pointed out that the agreement represents a transition in the relations among the three states to a more organized and integrated level, benefiting from the strengths each country possesses: Saudi Arabia pushes toward localizing military industrial production, Turkey has advanced expertise in defense industries, while Pakistan brings broad military and operational experience. He added that this integration of capabilities makes the agreement go beyond political coordination to more comprehensive defense cooperation during a period marked by rising regional tensions and security challenges. For its part, the Turkish presidency said that any armed attack on any of the three countries is considered an attack on all of them. Saudi Arabia: toward a safer environment Commenting on the signing of the agreement, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan characterized the agreement as an important milestone in the defense cooperation journey and in unifying efforts to confront threats that affect regional security. He added in a post on X that the agreement embodies the political will of the three countries to protect security and stability and support a safer regional environment. Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman commented on the agreement, saying it establishes a framework for a long-term defense partnership, enhances deterrence, coordination, and integration among the three countries, and contributes to securing regional and global security and stability. Riyadh’s ambassador, Reem Al-Gharmali, said that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement embodies the depth of strategic and historical ties among the three states, extending for decades, and comes as the culmination of detailed negotiations that lasted several years. Al-Gharmali, in a post on X, explained that the agreement aims to develop joint defensive capabilities and strengthen strategic deterrence and readiness, as well as integrate the three countries’ defense capabilities to better counter any threat targeting their security and territorial integrity. The Saudi official affirmed that the agreement does not represent a move toward creating a military bloc or a sectarian or denominational alliance, nor is it linked to nuclear ambitions or an arms race; rather, it aims to build self-sustained defensive capabilities for the participating states. Turkey: the agreement does not target any country Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan affirmed that the agreement does not target any country, noting that it is open to participation by states that aim to achieve stability in the region. Erdoğan explained that the agreement will enhance security and defense cooperation and develop defense industries, stressing that his country “will steadfastly pursue resolving disputes and crises through dialogue and diplomacy based on respect for international law.” Judot Yılmaz, Türkiye’s vice president, said the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement represents a historic step that will contribute to strengthening the security architecture in the region. Yılmaz stated in a post on X that the agreement does not target any country, adding that it aims to deepen understanding of collective security, deterrence, and cooperation in the defense industrial sector and regional stability. He anticipated that the “spirit of strategic cooperation” it fosters in the security field will give impetus to economic cooperation, especially in trade, finance, and investment. The Turkish vice president said that in a world where institutions and global rules are retreating, regional cooperation stands out, noting that the agreement provides a basis for a more just international order in the future. Meanwhile, the Turkish President’s Communications Director, Fahrettin Altun, described the Mecca agreement as a historic step toward strengthening relations rooted in shared history and a “strong will of solidarity among the three countries,” stressing that it does not target any single country. Altun wrote on X that the agreement will contribute to strengthening common security and collective deterrence for the three states, and will drive cooperation in the defense industries and interoperability of joint military operations to advanced levels, contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the region. Pakistan: wide celebration of the agreement In Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the agreement as historic, adding that it was signed in the sanctuaries of the Two Holy Mosques and will be a shield for peace for future generations and bring prosperity to the three countries. The Pakistani Foreign Office stated in a press release that the agreement includes cooperation in three areas: joint deterrence, joint security, and joint defense cooperation. Sharif, in a post on X, described the three signatory states as “sisters,” bound by faith, friendship, and a shared resolve to achieve peace and security. He commended the efforts of the Pakistani Army Chief, General Asim Munir, noting that he contributed to this noble endeavor. Abbottabad-based Al Jazeera correspondent Abdul Rahman Mitr noted that the signing ceremony was attended by the Pakistani Army Chief, who plays a key role in talks between Washington and Tehran, alongside the Prime Minister and the foreign, defense, and information ministers. In this context, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the Mecca “historic” agreement is an important step toward strengthening strategic cooperation, hoping it will contribute to further peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the region for generations to come. Dar, in a post on X, noted that Pakistani and Saudi and Turkish leaders and delegations performed Friday prayers together at the Sacred Mosque, and they prayed for God to bless the discussions and to grant success in decisions that would bolster peace, security, and fraternal bonds among peoples. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) published video clips and photos showing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Erdoğan, Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif, and officials from the three countries praying Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Al Jazeera’s bureau chief said there was broad celebration of the agreement in Pakistani local media, affirming its importance in achieving regional stability and prosperity. Regarding Pakistan’s importance to the agreement, Mitr highlighted the country’s strategic geographic position, noting that Pakistan has access to the Arabian Sea, is very close to the Strait of Hormuz, and shares a 900-kilometer border with Iran, in addition to possessing nuclear capability and a large ballistic missile program. What messages does the agreement send? Academic and Middle East policy expert Mahjoub Al-Zouairy predicted that the Saudi-Turkish-Pakistani joint defense agreement would form the nucleus of a broader regional alliance amid security challenges in the region, chiefly Israeli policies and tensions with Iran. Zouairy told Al Jazeera that these developments could push other countries to join the alliance in the future, potentially forming a political and military bloc capable of contributing to rebalancing the region’s power dynamics, without necessarily conflicting with American interests. He added that the expansion of the alliance could send a message to regional powers that imposing facts on the ground by force is no longer acceptable, and that a political and defense bloc could influence regional power balances. Zouairy said the alliance might receive understanding or respect from the United States, given the ties between the three countries and Washington, and he considered it not a direct threat to American interests, but rather an indirect message urging the US to reassess some of its regional policies. He anticipated that Washington would treat the new defense bloc with interest, especially if its membership expands over time, giving it greater clout in the region’s political and security equations. Today, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Jeddah, following yesterday’s visit by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir. Earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had said that Turkey was in talks about a possible defense treaty with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. At that time, Turkish security and diplomatic officials told Al Jazeera Net that Ankara was considering joining a coalition comprising Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Earlier, Pakistani Defense Production Minister Razzaq Haider Haraj had said that “Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey prepared a draft defense agreement after negotiations lasting about a year.” The Pakistani minister told Reuters that the agreement among the three powers is separate from the Saudi-Pakistani bilateral agreement announced last year. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are already linked by a defense pact announced by the two sides in 2025.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan on Friday signed a joint defense agreement in Mecca, in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to the joint statement, the agreement aims to bolster deterrence and expand defense cooperation among the three countries, stipulating that any armed attack against one of them is an attack against all of them. Egypt, which has participated in a series of meetings in recent months with the three countries regarding the war between the United States and Iran and regional security, was not a party to the new defense agreement. This comes after a Gazelle M ship in the port of Damietta on the Mediterranean was attacked by drones, with no group having claimed responsibility yet. Cairo had hosted on June 21 a meeting of the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan to discuss regional developments and efforts to stop the war between Washington and Tehran. Earlier, the same trio met three times in Riyadh, Islamabad, and Antalya, the latest on April 17. As of this writing, Egypt had not issued an official comment on the Mecca agreement. Egyptian writer and political analyst Gamal Raffi told Al Hurra that Cairo does not share the same motives driving Saudi Arabia to engage in defense arrangements of this kind. He added that Saudi Arabia is increasingly exposed to the consequences of the regional conflict, which, according to Raffi, pushes it to strengthen its deterrence capacity through broader defense partnerships. The Egyptian constitution places limits on the armed forces operating abroad. Article 152 states that the president does not declare war or send forces on a combat mission outside borders without consulting the National Defense Council and obtaining two-thirds majority approval from Parliament. While this does not, in itself, prevent Egypt from joining a defense agreement, it makes any commitment that might require sending troops abroad subject to constitutional and political procedures. In May, the United Arab Emirates announced the stationing of a detachment of Egyptian fighter jets in Abu Dhabi, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed visited the stationed forces there, signaling ongoing military cooperation between the two countries. Major General Osama Kheir, adviser at the College of Leaders and Staff, told Al Hurra that Egypt relies heavily on its own military capabilities and is not inclined to broaden its involvement in regional conflicts, especially given its diplomatic roles on issues including Iran. Political analyst Faisal Al-Shammari does not believe Egypt’s absence means its exclusion from regional arrangements. He told Al Hurra that Cairo remains part of a consultative framework that includes Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, while the Mecca agreement resulted from a separate defense track among the three. He added that there is still no public information indicating whether Egypt was invited to join and declined, or whether the agreement allows new members to join. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after the signing that the agreement is open to “sister countries” that wish to participate, keeping the possibility of expansion alive, though Cairo or the signatory states have not announced any talks about Egypt joining. Turkish researcher and international relations expert M. Taha Oruçoglu noted that Egypt’s absence at this stage does not necessarily indicate a rejection of the agreement, but any potential expansion would depend on how security arrangements in the region evolve. Mecca Agreement comes as Saudi Arabia faces security threats, especially from Yemen’s Houthis and Iran-linked armed groups, alongside ongoing disruption of regional shipping routes. In recent days, Houthis announced attacks on ships connected to Saudi interests, while other ships altered their courses to avoid danger in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. Al-Shammari said the agreement, although not announced as directed against any one state, is hard to separate from those threats and from escalating tensions with Iran-linked groups. He cautioned against interpreting the collective defense clause as an automatic pledge to enter war. He noted that treating an attack on one of the three as an attack on all three “does not necessarily mean that the first Houthi missile will automatically bring the Turkish army into war in Yemen,” adding that response could begin with intelligence cooperation, air defense, or logistical support, depending on the nature of the attack and the decision of the three states. The agreement couples Saudi Arabia with two partners who carry different military weight. Turkey is a NATO member, while Pakistan possesses nuclear weapons and maintains military ties with Riyadh dating back decades. Yet official statements do not mention a nuclear umbrella or specify the form of the military response expected from each country if another is attacked. Saudi Arabia also said the agreement does not aim to build a military axis or sectarian bloc, nor is it connected to an arms race or nuclear ambitions, and it does not come at the expense of its Gulf, Arab, or international relationships. For Ankara, the agreement fits into its broader expansion of defense ties with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. Burcu Ozgulak, head of the Middle East and North Africa and Turkey security at the Royal United Services Institute, said the agreement should not be viewed as evidence of a retreat of the US role in the region but could align with Washington’s approach of urging partners to shoulder a greater share of regional security burdens. She noted that the agreement came after months of regional consultations in which the three countries plus Egypt participated. Orucluoglu said Turkey is increasingly attentive to Gulf and Red Sea security but ruled out the possibility that the agreement means Turkish forces in Yemen. Turkish participation gives the pact an extra dimension due to Ankara’s NATO membership, its military experience, and its defense industries. But that does not change the question surrounding Cairo’s absence. Egypt was present in the political track that brought the four countries together in recent months, but it did not join the other three in the defense agreement. So far there is no official Egyptian explanation or public evidence that Cairo rejected a bid to join.

Istanbul — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan today, Friday, announced the signing of the Mecca Defense Cooperation Agreement, at the conclusion of a trilateral summit held in Mecca, according to a joint statement released by the Saudi News Agency (SPA). The summit was attended by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, during the latter’s visit to the Kingdom at the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The statement said that the leaders reviewed, at the Mecca Summit for Collective Defense, the relations among the three countries and several issues of common interest. It explained that the signing of the agreement stems from the historical ties between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, and from the brotherly and Islamic solidarity that binds them, as well as their shared strategic interests and defense cooperation. According to the statement, the Mecca Agreement for Collective Defense aims to strengthen joint security and deterrence against any aggression and to contribute to achieving security, peace, and stability regionally and globally. The agreement stipulates that any armed attack against one of the three countries would be considered an attack against all of them, and it includes developing various aspects of defense cooperation among Riyadh, Ankara, and Islamabad. The Saudi Crown Prince had previously received Erdogan and Sharif at the Royal Court at Al-Safah Palace in Mecca before the summit and the signing of the agreement. Earlier on Thursday, Saudi sources said the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would sign a joint defense agreement today. The French Press Agency quoted two sources close to the army and government as saying that the three-nation defense agreement would be signed today in Jeddah, adding: “It has been under discussion for a long time, but recent developments in the region accelerated its pace.” In the same context, Reuters quoted two regional sources saying that “Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan will sign a joint defense agreement in the Kingdom today, Friday.” Final Concurrence Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (Hakan Fidan) had earlier stated that his country was conducting talks regarding the possibility of a defensive agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. At the time, Turkish officials in the security and diplomatic circles told Al Jazeera Net that Ankara was considering joining a bloc including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, according to a report by Al Jazeera Net. Earlier, Pakistani Defence Production Minister Zubaida Jalal? (Note: The Arabic name provided in the source may be inaccurate here) said that “Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey prepared a draft defense agreement after negotiations lasting about a year.” The Pakistani minister told Reuters that the possible agreement among the three powers is separate from the Saudi-Pakistani bilateral agreement announced last year, and stressed that finalizing the agreement requires consensus among the three states. Hurras (Haraj) added: “The trilateral draft agreement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey has already been finalized, and the three countries are conducting internal deliberations on it.” Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir arrived in the Kingdom on Thursday for a visit through Saturday, while Erdogan is set to arrive on Friday according to the Turkish presidency. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are already bound by a defense cooperation agreement announced by the two sides in 2025, which has raised many questions, especially regarding the potential inclusion of a clause on nuclear energy given Islamabad’s possession of nuclear weapons. Did you like the topic? Share it with your friends!