Pact with Saudi and Pakistan could expand to Muslim world, Iran, Turkish speaker says
A defence pact between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, signed in August, could evolve into a broader agreement for the Muslim world, including Iran, according to Turkey's parliament speaker. The 'Mecca Joint Defence Agreement' stipulates that an attack on one ally constitutes an attack on all, similar to NATO's Article 5. The pact aims to enhance cooperation and stability in the region, particularly in light of recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
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- ✓ A defence pact between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan could turn into a broader pact for the Muslim world that includes Iran.
- ✓ The 'Mecca Joint Defence Agreement' stipulates that an attack on one ally constitutes an attack on all.
- ✓ The pact is expected to be submitted for ratification from next month.
What changed
Turkey's parliament speaker announced that the defence pact could be submitted for ratification from next month, potentially expanding to include Iran and other Muslim countries.
Live updates
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Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan's defence pact may expand to Muslim world, including Iran
A defence pact between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, signed in August, could evolve into a broader agreement for the Muslim world, including Iran, according to Turkey's parliament speaker. The 'Mecca Joint Defence Agreement' stipulates that an attack on one ally constitutes an attack on all, similar to NATO's Article 5. The pact aims to enhance cooperation and stability in the region, particularly in light of recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters
The agreement comes as regional powers face growing security concerns, including Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The pact's expansion could have significant implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics and global security. Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have been discussing the parameters of the accord and assessing Riyadh's needs.
What is confirmed
- A defence pact between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan could turn into a broader pact for the Muslim world that includes Iran.
- The 'Mecca Joint Defence Agreement' stipulates that an attack on one ally constitutes an attack on all.
- The pact is expected to be submitted for ratification from next month.
Still unconfirmed
- The defence pact may be similar to NATO's Article 5.
What to watch next
- Ratification of the defence pact
- Expansion of the pact to include Iran and other Muslim countries
- Response to Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (20)
- Reuters — Allies unite behind Saudi Arabia as Houthis step up attacks
- WSJ — Opinion | The Mecca Pact Has Become a Hollow Promise
- reuters.com — Pact with Saudi and Pakistan could expand to Muslim world, Iran, Turkish speaker says
- dawn.com — Dar, Saudi and Turkish counterparts review progress on institutionalising tripartite defence pact
- aljazeera.com — Pakistan, Turkiye edge closer towards joining Saudi war against Houthis
- Yahoo — Allies unite behind Saudi Arabia as more Iranian flights restricted
- The Times of Israel — Pakistani, Saudi and Turkish military chiefs vow to actualize defense deal during meeting in Riyadh
- Reuters — Pakistani, Saudi, Turkish chiefs discuss closer military ties
- Dawn — Makkah alliance military chiefs vow to ‘immediately’ translate commitments into effective military cooperation: ISPR
- South China Morning Post — Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia test limits of Mecca regional security pact
- thearabweekly.com — Saudi, Pakistani and Turkish militaries discuss next move amid Houthi attacks
- Rediff — Pakistan, Turkiye vow to defend Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks
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