Saudi-Turkish-Pakistani Defence Pact Fills Post-War Security Vacuum

Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan signed a pact in Mecca in August 2026 promising to defend each other if attacked — like NATO does. Analyst Betul Dogan-Akkas says nearby countries felt exposed after the US-Israeli war on Iran started February 28, 2026, and need protection without depending on America. Analyst Umer Karim says the pact works with, not against, US promises.