Saudi, Turkey, Pakistan 'military alliance'…Post-American security system kicks into gear

Three nations—Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan—have formed a military alliance, marking the beginning of a more robust US-led defense system in the Middle East. This development comes after a war in the region has strained the relationship between the US and Iran, leading to a shift towards a multilateral security system. The agreement, known as the "Mecca Joint Defense Agreement," was signed by Mohammad bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince; Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish President; and Shehab Zaidi, the Pakistani Prime Minister, on July 7 in Mecca.

The three countries have now formed a significant military alliance, with Turkey's significant defense industry and military capabilities strengthening the agreement. The agreement focuses on collective deterrence, a mutual right to self-defense, and a shared defense right if one country is attacked. However, specific military obligations or execution mechanisms have not been outlined.

Turkish Deputy Head of State, Büyükbaba Türkiye, and Saudi officials described the agreement as a purely defensive pact, not targeting any specific country and not nullifying existing agreements with other nations. Saudi Arabia's concerns about the US's reliability in the Middle East, particularly following the Gaza war, have driven the push for a more independent defense strategy.

Pakistan, under Prime Minister Shehab Zaidi, has been working towards reducing its dependence on the US, including normalizing relations with Iran in 2023. The agreement, which does not harm existing relationships with other allies like the US or the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), aims to protect peace and prosperity for all brotherly nations.

The Gulf Research Center in Saudi Arabia assessed the agreement as a step towards building a new security system led by the most influential countries in the Islamic world, enhancing regional strength and countering Iran's dominance. Analysts expect Turkey and other regional powers, including Egypt and Qatar, to join the alliance in the future.