Saudi Arabia Abandons NATO Pact Plans as Turkey Joins Mecca Alliance

Saudi Arabia's pursuit of a NATO-type pact with the US has been ongoing for several years, dating back to September 2019 when its oil facilities were struck by multiple missile attacks. The US had initially offered security guarantees and recognition as a major non-NATO ally in exchange for increased oil production and cooperation on regional issues.

However, the relationship between the two nations began to deteriorate after the Israeli attack on Qatar in October 2023 and subsequent tensions with Hamas. This led Saudi Arabia to seek alternative security arrangements, ultimately signing a Strategic Defence Mutual Agreement (SDMA) with Pakistan in September 2025.

The SDMA is a joint security agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, where both countries would treat an attack on one as an attack on the other. This move was seen as a stopgap measure by some analysts, who believed that Turkey's inclusion in the Mecca Pact, a potential NATO-style alliance with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, would provide stronger military support.

Turkey's involvement in the Mecca Pact is significant, given its membership in NATO and its existing security agreements with both nations. By joining this pact, Turkey aims to enhance its standing in the Islamic world, address differences with Riyadh, and hedge against US commitments in NATO.