Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan Unite Against Regional Aggression

Three key nations in the Middle East have signed a joint defense agreement aimed at strengthening collective deterrence against any act of aggression. The 'Mecca Joint Defense Agreement' was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Mecca on Friday.

The agreement comes as the region is plagued by escalating tensions between Iran and its allies, which have fired missiles at Gulf oil exporters since the US and Israel attacked it on February 28. The pact stipulates that an armed attack against any of the three nations would be considered an attack on all, but does not specify what military actions each country would take in defense of the others.

Pakistan has provided training and technical assistance to Saudi forces for decades, while Turkey and Pakistan have exchanged warships and training aircraft. Saudi Arabia is a major purchaser of drones from Turkey. The agreement also follows nearly a year of negotiations between the three nations.