NEW YORK: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has defended the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, saying it is

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, now in its seventh month, has reached a critical juncture with escalating tensions between Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The recent attacks on sensitive sites in Riyadh by Houthi missiles and drones mark a significant escalation, putting Saudi Arabia's newly formed 'Mecca pact' with Turkey and Pakistan to its first serious test. This defence agreement, signed in August, represents a strategic shift for Saudi Arabia as it seeks alternative security arrangements amid growing disillusionment with US reliability. The pact partners Saudi Arabia with Turkey, a NATO member with the second-largest army in the alliance, and Pakistan, the only nuclear-armed Muslim state. While Turkey and Pakistan have voiced support for Saudi Arabia's defence, they have not yet entered the conflict, possibly because the Houthi actions are not considered state aggression against the kingdom. The situation is further complicated by US President Donald Trump's 'big decision' regarding Iran, with potential military action against Iran looming. The conflict has widened beyond Lebanon to Yemen, where Houthi forces have made significant territorial gains against Saudi-backed forces. The Houthis' tightening grip on the Red Sea, particularly the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait, threatens global maritime trade, with 10-12% of world shipping passing through this corridor. The damage to the Abqaiq oil pipeline, which transports 70% of Saudi oil exports during Hormuz closures, has further strained the global economy. Saudi Arabia's search for alternative security partners reflects broader regional shifts, as Gulf states increasingly question US commitment to their security. Meanwhile, Iran continues to defy US economic and military pressure, maintaining its defence posture despite significant costs. The US has not responded to Iran's latest conditions for ending the war, which include ending the naval blockade on Iranian ports and releasing frozen funds. With the US mid-term elections approaching in November, Trump has expressed a desire to end the conflict, but hardliners in Iran's leadership appear unwilling to de-escalate. The outcome of these developments will significantly impact the Middle East and global stability, with potential for further escalation if diplomatic efforts fail.

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US-India defence pact renewal reshapes Indo-Pacific dynamics, raising strategic concerns for Pakistan and reinforcing China’s role.

The Pakistan-Saudi defence pact reflects hedging in a multipolar order, reinforcing ties while preserving flexibility amid Gulf and South Asian uncertainty.

The Pakistan-Saudi defence pact reflects hedging in a multipolar order, reinforcing ties while preserving flexibility amid Gulf and South Asian uncertainty.

The Pakistan-Saudi defence pact reflects hedging in a multipolar order, reinforcing ties while preserving flexibility amid Gulf and South Asian uncertainty.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet in Jeddah to formalise a joint agreement. The landmark pact aims to strengthen regional se...

The article reports that Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have agreed to a defence pact to address ongoing regional tensions. The agreement comes amid rising conflicts in the Middle East and South Asia, with each nation seeking to strengthen military cooperation and ensure security interests. While the exact terms of the pact remain undisclosed, officials suggest it will involve intelligence sharing, joint exercises, and potential arms procurement. This development is significant as it marks a shift in regional alliances, with Pakistan aligning more closely with Turkey and Saudi Arabia despite existing geopolitical complexities. The move also reflects broader concerns about instability in the Gulf and South Asian regions, where sectarian conflicts and territorial disputes have escalated. News Corp Australia's website encountered technical issues with crawler bots, but the article's content was accessible through direct input. The pact underscores growing strategic partnerships among nations facing shared security challenges.

Izza Khawar asks a poignant question in her latest op-ed, "Is Pakistan punching above its weight"? She quotes recent instances of defense t...

The “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement” treats an armed attack on any of the three Sunni-majority states as an attack on all three, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, and is “technically the same” as Nato's...

Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its defence co-operation agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced, in Rome's sharpest signal yet of disapproval over Israeli military operations.

The single most important defence investment these three states can make over the next ten to twenty years is not a weapon at all. It is a classroom

The single most important defence investment these three states can make over the next ten to twenty years is not a weapon at all. It is a classroom

Saudi capital, Turkish technology and Pakistani military power are beginning to reshape the region’s security balance