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.

Saudi intelligence chief Khalid al-Humaidan’s Baghdad visit renewed ties with Iraq while raising questions over the absence of a Saudi apology, Iraqi condemnation of the strikes, and Iraq’s role in emerging regional security arrangements.

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.

Washington is negotiating to trade Turkiye's return to the F-35 program for the removal of Russian S-400 missiles, a move “Israel” fears will disrupt the regional balance of power.