Saudi Arabia turns to Muslim military heavyweights in landmark defense pact as Iran war closes in

Saudi Arabia has forged a new defense alliance with Pakistan and Turkey, two of the Muslim world's most formidable military powers, amid growing concerns over the Iran conflict. The landmark pact, signed in Mecca on Friday, establishes a NATO-style mutual defense agreement, stipulating that an attack on any one of the three nations is considered an attack on all.

This move comes as Iran's influence in the region heightens, and Saudi Arabia seeks to bolster its defense capabilities. The agreement aims to enhance collective deterrence against aggression and improve defense cooperation among the three states. Turkey, with the second-largest military in NATO, and Pakistan, the only nuclear-armed Muslim nation, bring significant firepower to the alliance.

While Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the pact, the agreement does not target any specific actor. The three nations are not bound to any particular military action in support of each other. The pact also opens the door for other regional countries to join, similar to NATO's expansion model.

As Israel expands its military presence in the region and tensions rise between Riyadh and the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and Turkey have a vested interest in preventing the conflict from escalating. Both nations share a border with Iran and have reasons to deter conflict. Despite the ceasefire, Iran-backed groups continue to target Saudi Arabia in Yemen and Iraq. Riyadh has been vocal in opposing the war but has sought to avoid a direct confrontation with Iran.