Mecca defense pact faces test as Saudi delegation arrives for high-stakes Iran talks - analysis
The test in Tehran is whether the countries can come away with something practical. Skeptics about the pact's members have argued that the three countries are not making the agreement have teeth.
The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, modeled somewhat on NATO, is facing a test as a Saudi delegation arrives in Tehran for high-stakes talks with Iran. The agreement includes Turkey and Pakistan, and the purpose is to determine whether the countries can come away with practical outcomes. Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have raised doubts about whether Turkey and Pakistan will come to Riyadh's aid.
The delegation, led by Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, Field Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan, and Head of Turkish Intelligence Ibrahim Kalin, is seen as a significant step toward regional diplomacy and stability. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that the presence of these officials could help achieve lasting security in the Middle East without more US intervention.
Brief written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
