Saudi Arabia

Is the Saudi defense pact misunderstood amid Houthi attacks? - analysis

The concept behind the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement seems more about starting a process than enabling these countries to rapidly deploy to any of their partners' homelands.

TURKISH PRESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, pose after signing a joint defense agreement in Mecca, August 7, 2026.
In this handout screen grab captured from a video provided by Houthi Media Center, Yemeni Houthi group fighters inspect debris from a Karayel drone of the Saudi-backed forces after it was downed by the Houthi-run air forces during the ongoing fighting in Yemen, September 10, 2026.

At least one killed, two injured after Saudi Arabia intercepts drone, likely launched by Houthis

Fighters loyal to the Houthi authorities, shouts slogans during a rally to recruit more fighters, in Sanaa on September 10, 2026.

Beijing pushes Tehran to help stop Houthi attacks following appeal from Saudis, Iranian sources say

Supporters of the Iran-backed Houthi movement, brandish their weapons as they rally in solidarity with Iran and Lebanon, in Sanaa on April 8, 2026, following the announcement of a ceasefire in the Middle East war.

How the Houthis went from a small mountain militia in Yemen to a major regional threat - explainer


Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan invited Iran to join newly-established Mecca defense pact - report

The invitation has not yet been officially confirmed by Iran's Foreign Ministry or by any of the three countries that are parties to the agreement.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pose after signing a joint defence agreement in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, August 7, 2026.

Implications for Israel, India: Is the Mecca pact a dangerous piece of theatre? - opinion

Israel and India's strongest response to a new security bloc may not be another bloc. It is the ability to stand independently and to have capable partners standing with you.

TURKISH PRESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, next to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after signing a joint defense agreement in Mecca, on August 7, 2026.

Syrian FM says Damascus mulling Mecca Joint Defense pact, but rejects strengthening Iran ties

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani visited Islamabad for the first visit by a Syrian foreign minister to Pakistan since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani speaks during a joint press conference with Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (not pictured) in Beirut, Lebanon, July 2, 2026.

Saudi Arabia tightens regulations on money flow to UAE, in latest sign of deepening rift

The measures, which were not announced publicly, could help explain why a number of companies say they have had difficulties transferring funds from accounts in Saudi Arabia to the UAE recently.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, stands for a photograph with Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 3, 2025; illustrative.

Saudi textbooks continue reforms, remove antisemitic content - report

According to the findings, the remaining examples of antisemitic content identified in previous IMPACT-se reviews have now been completely removed from Saudi textbooks.

Saudi students sit for their final high school exams in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah on June 19, 2010 at the end of 2009/10 school year; illustrative

Houthis claim attack on Saudi military ship, four escort vessels in Red Sea

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the group targeted a Saudi military ship and four escorts with missiles in the Red Sea.

Supporters of the Iran-backed Houthi movement brandish their weapons as they rally in solidarity with Iran and Lebanon amid the Middle East war, in the capital Sanaa on April 17, 2026.

Mecca pact unites Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan - but what does it mean? - opinion

The significance of the Mecca pact will depend less on the language of the agreement than on its implementation.

TURKISH PRESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, next to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after signing a joint defense agreement in Mecca, on August 7, 2026.

The Muslim Brotherhood is quietly invading Europe, hollowing out Western democracy - opinion

The Muslim Brotherhood has been foraying into the West while it looks the other way, unlike Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have long banned it

Attendees participate in a European resolution proposal aiming to include the Muslim Brotherhood movement on the European list of terrorist organizations at the National Assembly in Paris in January.

The new crescent: Mecca pact gives rise to a Saudi-led Sunni bloc, posing new challenges for Israel

BEHIND THE LINES: Anti-Israel statements of the emergent alliance between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are not just rhetoric. Rather, they form an integral element in its strategy.

TURKISH PRESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, pose after signing a joint defense agreement in Mecca, August 7, 2026.

Voices from the Arab press: Mecca pact will strengthen security, stability

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

(From L) TURKISH PRESIDENT Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chat after signing a joint defense agreement in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Aug. 7.