Trump welcomes Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact

U.S. President Donald Trump has welcomed the signing of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement among Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, calling it a "BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP." The pact, signed on August 7, holds any armed offensive against one of the three nations as an attack against all. Trump said on his Truth Social platform that the agreement shows how the Middle East is coming together and how countries will be able to defend themselves more meaningfully.

The agreement comes amid a U.S.-Iran war that has extended violence to the region, including attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, with only five commodity vessels transiting on Saturday, versus 31 the prior weekend. Oil prices barely moved on Monday as peace talks between the U.S. and Iran stalled.

India said it is assessing the implications of the Mecca agreement for its national security and regional peace. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on August 11 that India remains fully committed to safeguarding its national interests and will take all necessary measures. The pact was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.