Middle East Powers Sign Defense Pact Amid Regional Tensions

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed a key defense agreement to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression. The agreement was inked in the Saudi holy city of Mecca during a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The pact stipulates that any armed attack against one of the three states shall be regarded as an attack on all three. It also provides for the enhancement of all aspects of defense cooperation among the countries.

This move comes amid rising tensions in the region, including the war in Iran and Lebanon. Saudi Arabia has been seeking to diversify its defense partnerships after its critical infrastructure and oil facilities came under attack.