Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have formalized a joint defense agreement, declaring that an armed attack on any one of them will be considered an attack on all three. The pact was signed during a meeting in Mecca involving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Background and Motivation
The agreement comes amid heightened tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which drew Saudi Arabia into the conflict and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. The three nations have sought to bolster security cooperation in response to these developments.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan had already established a joint defense pact the previous year. The new Mecca Joint Defence Agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence and stipulates that any armed attack against one state is regarded as an attack against all. It also provides for enhanced defense cooperation across all aspects.
Capabilities and Contributions
While the pact pledges mutual support among the three Sunni Muslim nations, it lacks specific obligations for each member. A Turkish official described the pact as purely defensive in nature.
Each nation brings distinct strengths: Saudi Arabia contributes significant financial resources as one of the world's largest weapons purchasers; Turkey offers the second-largest military force in NATO, with advanced defense production capabilities; and Pakistan possesses nuclear weapons.
Regional Conflict and Responses
The conflict in Iran shows no signs of abating, with the US struggling to manage regional fallout. Iran and its allies have launched attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, blockading shipments. Pakistan has acted as an intermediary between Iran and the US, hosting ceasefire negotiations that led to a temporary halt in military operations, though fighting has since resumed.
Saudi Arabia has attempted to remain neutral but, after being attacked from multiple fronts, conducted joint strikes with the US last month on Iranian proxy militias in Iraq believed to be launching drones at the Kingdom.
Houthi Threats and Naval Coalition
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels controlling much of the northwest have been fighting Saudi-led coalition-backed government forces. Last month, the Houthis announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia and targeted Saudi airports, oil facilities, and tankers in the Red Sea.
In response, Saudi Arabia has launched strikes on Houthi positions and formed a new naval coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
