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🇵🇰 Pakistan /Conflict & Security

Makkah Agreement: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye sign defense pact amid US-Iran tensions

From Dawn · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Context piece
  • Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, a pact considered highly symbolic amid the US-Iran conflict.
  • The agreement aims to solidify existing defense collaboration and is open to friendly nations, though it is not intended as an 'Islamic NATO'.
  • The pact's role regarding Iran remains a question, with assurances it's not a military or sectarian bloc, but its effectiveness will be tested if US-Iran hostilities escalate.

In a significant development amidst the ongoing US-Iran conflict, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye have signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. This pact is viewed as highly symbolic, particularly as the American defense umbrella has offered limited protection to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, with US military assets sometimes becoming targets.

historic

— Shehbaz SharifThe Prime Minister of Pakistan described the new defense pact.

The agreement, which considers an attack on one signatory as an attack on all, has generated discussion about its implications, especially concerning Iran. While Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the pact "historic" and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated it is open to "friendly nations," both leaders emphasized it is not an 'Islamic NATO'. A Saudi deputy minister further clarified that the agreement "does not represent an effort to establish a military axis or a sectarian bloc."

friendly nations

— Recep Tayyip ErdoganThe President of Turkey stated the agreement is open to participation from.

This new defense pact builds upon decades of Pakistani-Saudi defense collaboration, now including Turkiye. However, its precise role concerning Iran remains a key question. An adviser to Iran's supreme leader suggested that increased regional cooperation could enhance security. The alliance's true test will likely come if major hostilities erupt between the US and Iran, particularly if Tehran resumes attacks on GCC states.

does not represent an effort to establish a military axis or a sectarian bloc

— Saudi deputy ministerA Saudi deputy minister provided clarification on the nature of the defense agreement.

Ideally, such alliances should foster unity among Muslim nations and reduce regional tensions. The article suggests that instead of relying on foreign powers, regional states should pledge non-aggression towards each other. It calls for Iran to cease attacks on GCC states and for Gulf nations to prevent foreign forces from using their territory against Iran, advocating for a modus vivendi for mutual security. The hope is that the Makkah agreement will promote unity within the Muslim world rather than exacerbating existing divisions.

can secure its security

— adviser to Iran’s supreme leaderAn adviser to Iran's supreme leader commented on the potential benefits of regional cooperation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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