Pakistan Foreign Minister: New Nations Interested in Joining Saudi-Turkey Defense Pact

Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, announced that a meeting of the Political-Strategic Defense Committee, established under the "Mecca Agreement" involving Saudi Arabia and Turkey, is scheduled to convene soon in Riyadh. Following criticism that the pact failed to aid Saudi Arabia during recent Houthi attacks, Dar stated that "six additional countries have expressed interest in joining the agreement." He did not name these countries, though Egypt and Iran have been previously mentioned as possibilities. Dar indicated that the member states require a year to finalize the agreement's framework and operational mechanisms before considering new applicants. He also addressed the Hormuz Strait crisis, asserting that "there should be no payment or fees for passage through Hormuz."

The tripartite alliance, which stipulates that an attack on one member is an attack on all, has not yet proven its deterrent value, particularly after Houthi rebels fired on Mecca and Medina, with Turkey and Pakistan only issuing condemnations. Despite these attacks, a military meeting involving the Chiefs of Staff from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey recently took place in Riyadh to discuss security and threats, emphasizing the commitment to translate pact obligations into effective military cooperation.

Meanwhile, reports suggest Saudi Arabia is preparing a significant operation against the Houthis in Yemen, potentially involving a coastal offensive to secure Red Sea shipping lanes or a multi-front attack. This operation, expected in the coming weeks, would be led by Yemeni forces under Saudi supervision, with potential air support, and could involve over 100,000 Yemeni soldiers. The Houthi military spokesperson claimed Saudi Arabia conducted 94 airstrikes in Yemen within the last day, targeting civilian sites and causing casualties.

Discussions about potential new members for the Mecca Agreement have been ongoing. Turkish President Erdoğan previously suggested Egypt's participation was possible, but Egyptian sources indicated Cairo is not currently planning to join a military framework involving mutual defense commitments, preferring to maintain neutrality as a mediator. Iran's participation has also been uncertain, with conflicting reports about an invitation and official confirmation.

Israel has expressed concerns that the pact is directed against it, with a senior Israeli official suggesting the strengthening Sunni axis and advising Israel to forge alternative alliances. This official voiced skepticism about the pact's stated aim of countering Iran, implying it might be aimed at Israel instead.