Trump: Mecca defense pact with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan reflects Middle East rapprochement

WASHINGTON, United States — U.S. President Donald Trump said the Mecca Defense Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan reflects a rapprochement across the Middle East. Speaking from the White House, Trump expressed satisfaction that the three countries had "finally" signed the deal, calling it a bold and important first step that showed how states can defend themselves. Under the joint declaration, signed in Mecca on Aug. 7, 2026, the three countries pledged to strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The pact was unveiled during a broader diplomatic push that brought Washington closer to its regional partners. The agreement marks the first formal trilateral defense understanding between Riyadh, Ankara and Islamabad, according to officials familiar with the talks. Trump framed the deal as evidence of what he described as a shift in regional alignments, though he offered no further operational details. No additional implementation steps were immediately disclosed.