The Saudi-Pakistani-Turkish Mecca Agreement could remain a defensive shield for Saudi Arabia or lead to direct military involvement in Yemen, depending on Houthi attacks, Iran’s response, and diplomatic efforts.

The handwritten message from UAE President MBZ to Saudi King Salman was formally an invitation to the 2026 UN Water Conference, but diplomats saw its timing and its direct address to the king as an attempt to bypass Crown Prince MBS, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler.

The joint defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan came amidst regional security vulnerabilities and declining confidence in the adequacy of American guarantees.

The Mecca Mutual Defense Agreement marks a significant shift toward regional collective deterrence, as Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan seek to strengthen security cooperation amid rising tensions and a changing Middle Eastern power balance.

Pakistan has joined efforts to mediate Libya’s political divide, but its success depends on securing consensus among Libyan factions and international stakeholders.