Mecca: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have signed a landmark joint defence agreement, the "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement," uniting Sunni Muslim US allies in response to escalating regional tensions marked by Iranian missile strikes on Gulf oil nations. The agreement was signed on Friday in Mecca, amid heightened concerns over regional security following a significant escalation on February 28, when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran.
According to France24.com, the agreement aims to bolster collective deterrence against aggression, declaring that an armed attack on any of the three signatories will be considered an attack on all. Despite the joint statement's lack of specifics regarding the commitments of each nation, the pact's underlying message underscores a unified front against potential threats, notably from Iran and Israel.
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz clarified that the agreement is not directed at any specific country, emphasizing its defensive nature and affirming that existing agreements with other states remain unaffected. The three nations share heightened concerns due to the aggressive postures of Israel and Iran, while their US ally grapples with regional instability and an ensuing global energy crisis.
Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Gulf Research Center, highlighted the powerful symbolism of the pact, noting that it marks a significant step towards enhanced regional cooperation in security matters among influential Muslim nations. Sager suggested that this trilateral framework could bolster the countries' diplomatic and defence capabilities and contribute to a more regionally-driven security architecture.
Despite Pakistan's mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia from the previous year, it has refrained from a military response to Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia, downplaying any extension of its nuclear deterrent to allies. Both Pakistan and Turkey have expressed support for Saudi Arabia's maritime defence coalition to safeguard regional shipping and energy routes.
The pact was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, following nearly a year of negotiations. This agreement builds on longstanding military ties among the three countries, who are keen to stabilize a region fraught with conflict since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
The continuous Middle East turmoil has threatened Saudi Arabia's oil exports and development plans, raising questions about the reliability of its US security ties. Burcu Ozcelik from the RUSI think tank noted that the agreement primarily aims to counterbalance Iranian influence and deter Israel, rather than provoke a direct confrontation with Tehran.
Pakistan has long provided military support to Saudi Arabia, while Turkey and Pakistan have cooperated closely on military exchanges, including warships and training aircraft. Saudi Arabia's significant drone purchases from Turkey further illustrate the deep-rooted military collaborations among the three nations.
While Israel has not commented, India's Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the situation, reflecting the global implications of this new defence pact.