Makkah Joint Defence Agreement – opportunities and challenges

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement (MJDA) to strengthen their defense cooperation. The agreement was signed at a critical juncture in history, both globally and regionally. On the global front, the old order is in disarray, and conflicts are breaking out one after another. The West’s dominance and hegemony are fading. Economic power, which the West once used to rule the world, is in decline. Western control over weapons of destruction has weakened. Simultaneously, Western diplomatic influence has softened, and their grip on the UN and decision-making has weakened. 

This has destabilized global peace, and in 2025 alone, 50 countries were engaged in conflicts or wars. As a result, new powerhouses, in economic, diplomatic, and defense production, have emerged. On a regional level, the Middle East and South Asia have emerged as flashpoints, where conflict or war can break out at any time due to the reckless behavior of Israel and India in their respective regions. 

In this context, the signing of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement has raised many questions, and people are exploring possible answers. First, what does the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement include? According to available information at this time, the three Muslim countries have joined hands to strengthen their defense cooperation. It sends a strong message to opponents and enemies that any attack on Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, or Turkey will be treated as an attack on all. The aggressor will have to face the wrath of three powers. 

Second, why is it important? It is important for two reasons. First, three countries are in hostile regions and face numerous security challenges. Let’s start with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is in a region where Israel is committing the worst genocide in modern history. The genocide in Gaza has destabilized the whole region. Unconditional support from the USA and the West allows Israel to continue the genocide in Gaza with complete immunity. They are providing all types of weapons of mass destruction and financial support to Israel. Even the USA and some Western countries are threatening the International Court of Justice or other UN agencies for asking for accountability of Israel. The USA and Israel’s attack on Iran has further complicated the situation. Iranian attacks on regional countries in the context of US bases are threatening a wide-scale war in the region. Saudi Arabia is also facing direct attacks by the Houthis on Saudi Arabia, especially on oil installations, which pose serious threats to the whole region.  

For Pakistan, it has two hostile neighbors, India and Afghanistan. In 2025, India attacked Pakistan based on self-assumed allegations. However, a strong, full-scale retaliation from Pakistan compelled India to come to its knees. Pakistan destroyed many Indian fighter jets and missile systems. India rushed to the USA to beg for a ceasefire. On the other border, Pakistan is facing terrorism originating from Afghanistan. Afghanistan, with the support of India and Israel, has launched a full-scale proxy and terrorism war. It is also harboring terrorist groups such as BLA, TTP, etc. India, acting as a proxy of Israel, is providing full support to terrorists and fueling terrorism in Pakistan.

In the case of Turkey, it is facing multiple threats, including direct threats from Israel, Greece, and some regional proxies. Over the past few months, Israel has begun to portray Turkey as a new threat to Israel. Greece has also been encouraged by Israel and other Western powers to create problems for Turkey. Some Western countries also have historical grievances with Turkey and are seeking opportunities to harm it. 

Therefore, this agreement is extremely important for the three countries and for both regions, the Middle East and South Asia. 

Third, how will regional countries react, and what impact will the MJDA have on the region? First, Israel will not like it at all. Why? Because it will view it as a hurdle to creating a Greater Israel. Therefore, Israel will do everything to sabotage the agreement. It can use this agreement to create a sectarian divide in the region by portraying Iran as the enemy. It can conspire to instigate sectarian violence in the region, especially in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. The USA and Western countries can also join hands to facilitate Israel. President Trump’s recent statement on the potential role of Syria in tackling the issue of Hezbollah is a strong indication of this strategy. He is urging Israel to stop attacking Lebanon and let the Syrian government fight Hezbollah. Lastly, Israel can also exploit the civilizational context and emotions of the custodians of the Arab, Iranian, and Turkish civilizations. It can trigger feelings of self-greatness and urge each civilization to pursue past glory.  

Simultaneously, some elements in Iran, especially those pro-Israel or influenced by Israel, can propagate the MJDA against Iranian interests. They can argue that it will undermine Iran’s status and create hurdles for Iran to become the region’s major power. Proponents of this view can argue that, in the presence of this alliance, it will be difficult for Iran to dominate the region. It would be an ideal situation for Israel and other elements to create a divide along sectarian lines and fan sectarian violence in the region and in respective countries. Therefore, all countries (Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia) need to be extremely vigilant and coordinate closely.  

Fourth, what would be the reaction of the global community, especially from the USA and China? China and the USA are important because they are major powers at this point in time. First, I do not believe the USA will have an independent view or reaction. It is strongly suspected, rather sure, that Israel will dictate the American response. It is an open secret that Israel does not want peace and stability in the region. Thus, the USA will follow this policy. 

It is also in the USA’s interest. How and why? The USA considers the Middle East and South Asia vital to its policy of containing China. This is common knowledge: in recent years, we have observed that the USA is doing everything to contain China and sabotage Chinese investment, trade, and energy supplies everywhere in the world, and the Middle East is no exception. Rather, the Middle East is a particular focus because Middle Eastern countries have expanded their relationships with China and have emerged as the biggest suppliers of energy to China. Data shows that China imports almost 54% of its energy resources from the region. China has also invested heavily in the region, especially after the launch of BRI. For example, data shows that in 2025 China invested more than US$39 billion in the region under BRI. 

Historically, China has also proved to be a reliable partner for the region, especially for Saudi Arabia. For example, China provided long-range missiles to Saudi Arabia in the 1980s after Israel’s attack on Iraq’s nuclear installations. Therefore, the USA will try to sabotage this agreement because stability and peace in the region will help China and Middle Eastern countries, which is against the interest of the USA. 

In the case of China, it has a stated policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Moreover, as discussed above, China has deep interests in the Middle East across diverse fields, including energy, technology, industry, and trade. For that reason, China needs a stable and peaceful region. China also has an all-weather strategic friendship and an iron-clad brotherhood with Pakistan. Pakistan is also home to the flagship project of the BRI, the CPEC. Therefore, China always wants a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Pakistan. Thus, China will welcome this initiative because it promotes peace and stability. 

In conclusion, the Makkah Agreement is a win-win and ideal agreement. It provides an opportunity for three countries to pool their strengths and develop a formidable force to deter any threat of aggression. Saudi Arabia has financial resources and the will to contribute to the welfare of regional countries, including Pakistan nd Turkey. Pakistan and Turkey have technologies and formidable armed forces, which can deter any aggressor. Moreover, Turkey has advanced drones and some technologies, and Pakistan also has many technologies and missile systems. Most importantly, Pakistan is a nuclear power and can provide a nuclear umbrella to Saudi Arabia and Turkey against Israel and any other aggressor. 

Both Pakistan and Turkey also have the will to protect Saudi Arabia, especially. Saudi Arabia holds a special place in the hearts and souls of the whole ummah because it is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and home to two holy mosques. Therefore, Pakistan and Turkey can do anything to protect Saudi Arabia.