Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye Review Mecca Defence Pact
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye met in New York to discuss a defence agreement.
The agreement says the three countries should support one another if one is attacked.
They discussed how to organize the agreement and plan a meeting of their military leaders.
Saudi Arabia recently said it stopped a Houthi drone near Mecca.
The Houthis said they did not target Mecca.
Pakistan supported Saudi Arabia but also called for calm and diplomacy.
Türkiye said it was ready to help with Saudi Arabia’s military and technical needs.
The countries also discussed conflicts in West Asia and messages involving Iran.
The exact form and timing of any military support have not been announced.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye reviewed implementation of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in New York.
Officials discussed the pact’s institutional framework and preparations for an urgent meeting of military chiefs.
The agreement treats an armed attack on one member as an attack on all three.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca on September 15; the Houthis denied targeting the city.
Türkiye offered to address Saudi Arabia’s military and technical needs, while Pakistan emphasized solidarity, diplomacy and restraint.
- Who
- Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
- What
- The officials reviewed implementation and operational arrangements for the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.
- When
- Thursday, September 25, 2026; the agreement was signed on August 7, and the drone incident occurred on September 15.
- Where
- At the Saudi mission to the United Nations in New York.
- Why
- To give the defence pact a stronger institutional framework, prepare a military chiefs’ meeting, and discuss regional security developments.
De-escalation and denial
Deterrence and military readiness
Responsibility for the drone incident
De-escalation and denial
The Houthis denied targeting Mecca, while Pakistan called for restraint and diplomacy.
Deterrence and military readiness
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone before it entered Mecca’s restricted airspace, and Pakistan described it as an attack targeting the holy city.
Response under the defence pact
De-escalation and denial
Pakistan emphasized Saudi sovereignty while maintaining communication with Iran and supporting efforts to prevent escalation.
Deterrence and military readiness
Türkiye indicated readiness to meet Saudi Arabia’s military and technical needs, and the pact provides for collective deterrence.
- Agreement
- The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement was signed on August 7.
- Collective-defence clause
- An armed attack against one member is regarded as an attack against all three.
- Meeting location
- The talks took place at the Saudi mission to the United Nations in New York.
- Military chiefs
- The countries discussed preparations for an urgent meeting of their military chiefs.
- Drone incident
- Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on September 15.
- Saudi position
- Saudi authorities described the security of the Two Holy Mosques as a red line.
- National responses
- Türkiye offered military and technical assistance, while Pakistan stressed solidarity, diplomacy and restraint.