THE MAKKAH JOINT DEFENSE AGREEMENT 2026: IMPLICATIONS FOR REGIONAL SECURITY AND THE EMERGING SAUDI ARABIA–PAKISTAN–TÜRKIYE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

Humaira Saeed — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement of 2026 signed between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye is one of the latest developments which are shaping the regional security architecture of the Middle East and its broader geopolitical landscape. In this agreement, three already engaged countries are enhancing their relations and ushering in a new era of diplomatic and security immunity.

This research examines the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey and explores its implications for regional security and the emergence of a new strategic partnership. An examination is made of the motivations behind the agreement and how the agreement is based upon the principle of collective defense.

This research study uses qualitative analysis, drawing on realism, the balance of power and the balance of threat in order to analyze how changes in regional dynamics, as well as security perceptions and uncertainty surrounding current security arrangements, are driving increasing defense cooperation.

The study goes on to examine the implications of the agreement for Iran, Israel and the Gulf states, as well as for the US and other actors in the region. It suggests that the agreement has the potential to strengthen deterrence, increase defense cooperation and enhance the strategic influence of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye.

Pakistan Journal of International Affairs

THE MAKKAH JOINT DEFENSE AGREEMENT 2026: IMPLICATIONS FOR REGIONAL SECURITY AND THE EMERGING SAUDI ARABIA–PAKISTAN–TÜRKIYE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP