Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan to Sign Defense Pact Amid Regional Tensions; Mexico Deploys Troops to Protect Avocados

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are poised to sign a defense cooperation agreement in Riyadh on August 7. The pact comes as regional intelligence indicates a potential for coordinated attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels and Iran-backed militias on Saudi civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, ports, and airports. These potential strikes are seen as a move to disrupt peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. A high-ranking Saudi official, cited by Reuters, confirmed that intelligence agencies from Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and other Middle Eastern nations have identified this threat.

Meanwhile, Mexico is deploying over 1,500 soldiers to the state of Michoacan to bolster security for its vital avocado crops. This action follows a U.S. decision to halt imports from the region, a move widely attributed to cartel activities and extortion. The Mexican military's operation aims to protect avocado orchards, packing facilities, and export routes.

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The goal of such attacks could be to disrupt the peace process that would lead to the end of the conflict between the USA and Iran.

Michoacan, located in southwestern Mexico, is the country's primary avocado-producing region and one of only two states authorized to export to the U.S. In 2025, Mexico's avocado exports to the U.S. were valued at $3.7 billion. One avocado producer from Michoacan revealed to the Associated Press that they must pay a daily extortion fee, amounting to approximately 20,000 pesos (about $1,100 USD), for every kilogram of avocado exported. This highlights the pervasive influence of criminal organizations in the region's lucrative agricultural sector.

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I have to pay 1 peso (22 groszy) of tribute for every kilogram of avocado exported.