The Mecca Pact is already facing the test that matters: whether its promise of collective defence can shape the response to an actual war. With fighting escalating in Yemen and Saudi Arabia under attack, regional leaders no longer have the luxury of discussing security institutions as a future project. They must show what those institutions can do now.

America does not have to leave the Middle East for the region to face a serious security gap. It only has to become more selective. The 2026 National Defense Strategy, published on January 23, assigns regional partners primary responsibility for deterrence and defence. A January 28 US government explanation specifies continued support for Israel and Gulf cooperation. The distinction is between continued American involvement and an American obligation to fight every partner’s war.

The distinction matters. Claims that Washington now cares exclusively about itself and Israel oversimplify its priorities. Yet Gulf states should take seriously the possibility that their assessment of an emergency will differ from America’s. Partnership remains valuable; dependence becomes dangerous when there is no credible alternative. Regional security cooperation is therefore a practical necessity, whatever the next American administration promises.

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The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye on August 7, 2026, offers a foundation for greater regional responsibility.

Its collective defence commitment must now become a workable system for protection and crisis management. The measure of its value is whether members can agree on assistance, objectives and diplomatic action when their security is being tested.

Its collective defence commitment must now become a workable system for protection and crisis management. The measure of its value is whether members can agree on assistance, objectives and diplomatic action when their security is being tested.

Axios reported Saudi-Israeli discussions, assisted by CENTCOM, about possible support against the Houthis. Such contacts do not establish that the Mecca framework has been........

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