Regional Powers Unite Against Aggression in Historic Defense Pact

Three regional powers - Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan - have signed a defense agreement that would treat an attack on one as an attack on all three. The 'Mecca Joint Defense Agreement' was signed in the Saudi holy city of Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression and stipulates that any armed attack against one of the three states shall be regarded as an attack against them all. It also enhances defense cooperation among the three countries.

Saudi Arabia has been looking to diversify its defense partnerships, particularly in light of recent attacks on its critical infrastructure and oil facilities. The agreement comes amid rising tensions between Turkey and Israel over Gaza and other regional conflicts.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Sharif described the agreement as a 'historic pact' that would serve as a 'shield of peace' for the three countries and the wider Muslim community.