What Is The Significance Of The Mecca Pact?

America must rethink its policies and priorities in the volatile Middle East.

Janet Levy | September 8, 2026

Last month, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed the Mecca Pact, a defense alliance moving toward autonomous security arrangements and away from America’s shield. President Donald Trump hailed the pact, saying the Middle East is coming together. Some analysts called it an incipient “Islamic NATO.” But there are far too many complexities, and events are still unfolding.

For one, the pact—though three years in the making—finally took shape after the joint U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran and the subsequent U.S.-Iran MoU, brokered by Pakistan. During the conflict, Iran did not spare refineries, civilian areas, or military targets across many Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, a longtime U.S. ally. It continues to obstruct shipping, battering the economies of these oil-producing countries.

America’s participation with Israel in the attack on Iran, which triggered a crisis that the Gulf countries had not provoked, has been viewed unfavorably. Since then, Saudi Arabia has hardened its stance against both Israel and Iran, which it sees as equally responsible for regional destabilization.

Before the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent retaliation, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MbS) was enthusiastic about an American defense deal, a civilian nuclear program, and recognition of Israel. That enthusiasm has waned, and after the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, Riyadh is holding back on the Abraham Accords, which aim to establish diplomatic relations between Arab nations and Israel. Riyadh is also insisting on a solution to the Palestine issue.

Although MbS says he’s personally neutral on Palestinian nationhood, he acknowledges that it resonates emotionally with the Saudi people, especially the youth. Riyadh now characterizes Israel’s defensive war as “genocidal.” As for Riyadh recognizing the Jewish state—which predates Islam by 2,000 years—it seems impossible, since Islam’s most important leader would not want to be seen as violating Muslim identity and the aspirations of the global ummah.

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