Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey have signed a mutual defence pact during a summit in Mecca, raising questions about the United States' role in the Middle East. The agreement, signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, marks a significant step in regional security cooperation (aljazeera.com).
The pact comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, following recent attacks attributed to Iran. Turkish Vice-President Fuat Özer, speaking at the event, emphasized that the agreement is not directed at any specific country, though it aims to strengthen collective security in the face of external threats (independent.ie).
Analysts suggest the deal could shift the balance of power in the region, potentially reducing reliance on U.S. military presence. The agreement underscores growing regional autonomy and strategic alignment among key Middle Eastern and South Asian nations (news.google.com).
