WASHINGTON D.C Aug 16, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday expressed strong support for a new mutual defence agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, calling it a “big, bold and important first step” toward greater regional self-reliance.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said:
“Very happy to see that Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have recently, and finally, signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. It shows how the Middle East is coming together, and how Countries will finally be able to defend themselves in a more meaningful way. Congratulations to the Great Leadership of the three Nations mentioned. THIS IS A BIG, BOLD, AND IMPORTANT FIRST STEP — WOW!”
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement was signed on August 7 in the Saudi holy city of Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Under the pact, an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all three. Officials from the signatory nations have described the agreement as purely defensive and open to other regional states in the future. It builds on an earlier bilateral defence deal between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed in 2025.
The agreement comes amid heightened regional instability following the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran earlier this year and continued threats to Gulf energy infrastructure. Analysts say the pact reflects growing efforts by key U.S. partners in the region to strengthen collective deterrence while reducing sole reliance on American security guarantees.
Trump’s comments mark the first high-level public endorsement of the deal by the U.S. administration.
About The Author
