Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan Mecca pact ‘far from’ Nato-style defence alliance

Observers say diverging strategic interests and a weak mutual security capacity will be the main challenges facing the agreement The Mecca pact’s statement that an armed attack on any of the three would be viewed as an attack on all was technically similar to the defence principle outlined in Article 5 of the transatlantic security alliance, Turkey’s top diplomat Hakan Fidan said on Saturday. However, he also stressed that the deal was not directed against Iran or any other country – as long as the pact’s member states were not attacked. Despite agreeing to resume negotiations, Washington and Tehran have continued to exchange fire. Most recently, both sides have made fresh demands and opposing claims over the Strait of Hormuz, further dimming hopes for a comprehensive deal to end the war soon.

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