Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan Sign Mecca Defence Pact, Raising Questions About U.S. Role in Middle East.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed a trilateral defence agreement in a ceremony that has been referred to as the Mecca pact. The pact is described as NATO‑style, meaning the countries have committed to coordinated military support if one of them is attacked. The signing comes as tensions between Iran and several Gulf states have escalated. Officials from the three signatories stated that the pact is aimed at enhancing stability in the region, while observers note that it may shift the balance of power and keep the United States in a more reactive position. The new arrangement also comes at a time when talks about a Hormuz deal are reportedly progressing. Analysts point out that the defence pact could solidify alliances that shape the strategic environment around the vital Strait of Hormuz and affect U.S. policy decisions in the Middle East.