Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday (Sept 25) has warned that any further attacks on the Islamic holy city of Mecca would be a “red line” for Islamabad. Speaking at the United Nations in New York, Sharif strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and stressed the importance of protecting Mecca.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We once again condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the recent deplorable attacks by the Houthis against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Sharif said at the UN's gathering of world leaders.&nbsp;“The attempted drone attack on the holy city of Mecca al-Mukarramah has outraged Muslims across the globe. Any threat to safety and sanctity... is a red line that must never be crossed. No Muslim can even dare to think of committing such a heinous act.”&nbsp;Sharif also stated that Pakistan acted swiftly to bring the United States and Iran under one roof in Islamabad to help end the Middle East conflict.<h3>Houthi attacks raise tensions</h3>Last week, Riyadh accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca, the holiest site for Muslims around the world, for the first time since 2017 with a drone that was intercepted. The Houthis denied the accusation.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia also intercepted Houthi ballistic missiles on Thursday after issuing warnings for several regions, including Mecca.&nbsp;The missile interceptions came as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have increased since July. The renewed hostilities ended a years-long truce and have drawn Yemen further into the wider Middle East conflict.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-all-possible-putin-weighs-next-steps-on-ukraine-talks-rules-out-europe-conflict-1790361540959">‘It is all possible’: Putin weighs next steps on Ukraine talks, rules out Europe conflict</a>&nbsp;<h3>Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey plan talks</h3>The developments come as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey prepare for urgent talks between their military chiefs on ways to support Riyadh under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.&nbsp;The announcement followed a meeting between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in New York on Thursday. The three ministers met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;The meeting “addressed ongoing arrangements for an urgent meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the three countries to discuss ways to support the Kingdom in accordance with the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” according to a statement shared by Saudi Arabia's official news agency SPA.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, 2026, at Al Safa Palace in Mecca. The pact commits the three countries to mutual defence if any one of them is attacked.&nbsp;The pact establishes a NATO-style mutual defence framework aimed at strengthening joint military deterrence and regional security.&nbsp;Despite the mutual defence clause, Pakistan and Turkey have so far not responded militarily to the Houthi attacks.

Shehbaz Sharif at the UN said that any further attack on Mecca would be a “red line” for Islamabad as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey prepare urgent military talks over escalating Houthi attacks.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday (Sept 25) has warned that any further attacks on the Islamic holy city of Mecca would be a “red line” for Islamabad. Speaking at the United Nations in New York, Sharif strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and stressed the importance of protecting Mecca. “We once again condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the recent deplorable attacks by the Houthis against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Sharif said at the UN's gathering of world leaders. “The attempted drone attack on the holy city of Mecca al-Mukarramah has outraged Muslims across the globe. Any threat to safety and sanctity... is a red line that must never be crossed. No Muslim can even dare to think of committing such a heinous act.” Sharif also stated that Pakistan acted swiftly to bring the United States and Iran under one roof in Islamabad to help end the Middle East conflict. Houthi attacks raise tensions Last week, Riyadh accused the Houthis of targeting Mecca, the holiest site for Muslims around the world, for the first time since 2017 with a drone that was intercepted. The Houthis denied the accusation. Saudi Arabia also intercepted Houthi ballistic missiles on Thursday after issuing warnings for several regions, including Mecca. The missile interceptions came as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have increased since July. The renewed hostilities ended a years-long truce and have drawn Yemen further into the wider Middle East conflict. Also Read: ‘It is all possible’: Putin weighs next steps on Ukraine talks, rules out Europe conflict Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey plan talks The developments come as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey prepare for urgent talks between their military chiefs on ways to support Riyadh under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. The announcement followed a meeting between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in New York on Thursday. The three ministers met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting “addressed ongoing arrangements for an urgent meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the three countries to discuss ways to support the Kingdom in accordance with the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” according to a statement shared by Saudi Arabia's official news agency SPA. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, 2026, at Al Safa Palace in Mecca. The pact commits the three countries to mutual defence if any one of them is attacked. The pact establishes a NATO-style mutual defence framework aimed at strengthening joint military deterrence and regional security. Despite the mutual defence clause, Pakistan and Turkey have so far not responded militarily to the Houthi attacks.

Shehbaz Sharif at the UN said that any further attack on Mecca would be a “red line” for Islamabad as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey prepare urgent military talks over escalating Houthi attacks.

‘Attack on Mecca a red line for Pakistan’: Shehbaz Sharif warns Houthis at UN

Will Pakistan enter the Iran war, albeit indirectly? The Macca Defence alliance with Saudi Arabia and Turkey might compel the South Asian nation to do so. Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif indicated as much, saying that all three signatories to the defence pact would respond if there is any aggression against one. The context is recent attacks on Saudi Arabia by Houthi forces, which is a group supported by, and helping, Iran to stand up to the US-Israel attacks.<h2>Houthi strikes could activate Mecca Defence Pact: What Pakistan defence minister said</h2>Iran-backed Houthis recently launched missile and drone strikes against Saudi cities and economic assets, injuring at least 73 people.Pakistan condemned the attacks, with its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirming Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.Speaking to local media, Pakistani defence minister Asif warned that the Houthis' attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate the Mecca Defence Alliance. "If there is any aggression against one member state, all three member states will respond,” he said.&nbsp;<h2>How the collective response aspect of Mecca Pact could drag Pakistan to the wider regional conflict&nbsp;</h2>The three countries are bound by the terms of their joint defence agreement, said Asif, while speaking on the show Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath.&nbsp;The pact's core principle is collective defence, akin to NATO. If one member faces aggression, the other two are expected to respond under the pact’s terms, agreed upon by the three nations in August.Asif, however, said he had no information about any communication between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia over the latest attacks.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-crosses-300-in-yemen-as-houthi-offensive-forces-thousands-to-flee-1788754670547">Death toll crosses 300 in Yemen as Houthi offensive forces thousands to abandon homes</a><h2>Defensive pact, not an attack agreement</h2>Asif stressed the defensive nature of the pact, saying it does not allow Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to attack another country.“This is not an aggressive agreement under which the three countries would, on their own initiative, attack another country,” he said.Asif said the continued attacks on Saudi territory could make the relevant provisions operative.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-saudi-backed-forces-launch-major-offensives-1788803403466/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-saudi-backed-forces-launch-major-offensives-1788803403466/embed</a><h2>Warning against Houthis</h2>Asif warned against using non-state actors to widen existing regional disputes, saying the Houthis should not extend Yemen’s conflict into Saudi Arabia.He hoped Saudi Arabia would not be drawn deeper into Yemen’s internal conflict.The pact could serve as a deterrent without automatically leading to military action, he said, adding, “We don't need to respond to a brick with a stone.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-unleash-terror-in-red-sea-the-new-frontline-of-iran-war-that-also-targets-saudi-israel-all-major-attacks-this-year-1786449981831">Houthis unleash terror in Red Sea, the new frontline of Iran war that also targets Saudi, Israel | All major attacks this year</a><h2>What Is The Mecca Defence Alliance?</h2>Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey formalised their longstanding defence cooperation through the Mecca Defence Alliance, which was signed on August 6. The pact, which seeks to strengthen military coordination, collective deterrence and security cooperation. It treats aggression against one member as a threat to all three, authorising collective response. If Pakistan joins in defending Saudi against the Houthis, it would amount to the peace negotiator in the Iran war indirectly joining the side that's anti-Iran.

Pakistan has warned that continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate its Mecca Defence Alliance with the kingdom and Turkey. The pact calls for collective response if one of the three countries faces attacks. Here is what Pakistani defence minister said about it 

Will Pakistan enter the Iran war, albeit indirectly? The Macca Defence alliance with Saudi Arabia and Turkey might compel the South Asian nation to do so. Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif indicated as much, saying that all three signatories to the defence pact would respond if there is any aggression against one. The context is recent attacks on Saudi Arabia by Houthi forces, which is a group supported by, and helping, Iran to stand up to the US-Israel attacks. Houthi strikes could activate Mecca Defence Pact: What Pakistan defence minister said Iran-backed Houthis recently launched missile and drone strikes against Saudi cities and economic assets, injuring at least 73 people. Pakistan condemned the attacks, with its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirming Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. Speaking to local media, Pakistani defence minister Asif warned that the Houthis' attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate the Mecca Defence Alliance. "If there is any aggression against one member state, all three member states will respond,” he said. How the collective response aspect of Mecca Pact could drag Pakistan to the wider regional conflict The three countries are bound by the terms of their joint defence agreement, said Asif, while speaking on the show Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath. The pact's core principle is collective defence, akin to NATO. If one member faces aggression, the other two are expected to respond under the pact’s terms, agreed upon by the three nations in August. Asif, however, said he had no information about any communication between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia over the latest attacks. Also read: Death toll crosses 300 in Yemen as Houthi offensive forces thousands to abandon homes Defensive pact, not an attack agreement Asif stressed the defensive nature of the pact, saying it does not allow Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to attack another country.“This is not an aggressive agreement under which the three countries would, on their own initiative, attack another country,” he said. Asif said the continued attacks on Saudi territory could make the relevant provisions operative. https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-saudi-backed-forces-launch-major-offensives-1788803403466/embed Warning against Houthis Asif warned against using non-state actors to widen existing regional disputes, saying the Houthis should not extend Yemen’s conflict into Saudi Arabia. He hoped Saudi Arabia would not be drawn deeper into Yemen’s internal conflict. The pact could serve as a deterrent without automatically leading to military action, he said, adding, “We don't need to respond to a brick with a stone.” Also read: Houthis unleash terror in Red Sea, the new frontline of Iran war that also targets Saudi, Israel | All major attacks this year What Is The Mecca Defence Alliance? Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey formalised their longstanding defence cooperation through the Mecca Defence Alliance, which was signed on August 6. The pact, which seeks to strengthen military coordination, collective deterrence and security cooperation. It treats aggression against one member as a threat to all three, authorising collective response. If Pakistan joins in defending Saudi against the Houthis, it would amount to the peace negotiator in the Iran war indirectly joining the side that's anti-Iran.

Pakistan has warned that continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia could activate its Mecca Defence Alliance with the kingdom and Turkey. The pact calls for collective response if one of the three countries faces attacks. Here is what Pakistani defence minister said about it&nbsp;

Will Pakistan enter West Asia conflict over Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia? What defence minister Asif said about Mecca pact's collective defence

Istanbul is hosting the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed earlier this month. Top officials from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will be discussing “international security issues” on Monday, August 31, Turkish Foreign Ministry sources said.&nbsp;It is expected to be attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Chief of General Staff Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu. Pakistan is expected to be represented by Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman and Chief of General Staff Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili are also due to attend.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-blocks-deportation-pro-palestinian-speech-1788083492052">US judge blocks Trump's deportation of noncitizens over pro-Palestinian speech</a>The discussion is expected to cover enhancing defence capabilities, greater interoperability among their ‌armed ⁠forces and deepening cooperation in the defence industry, including joint production and development. They will also discuss counter terrorism efforts. The meeting is expected to introduce a bureaucracy, an administrative secretariat and other relevant mechanisms that will guide work in areas of joint activity, as will be determined by the Strategic and Political Defence Committee. It will also establish a roadmap for steps to be taken in the coming period.The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia on August 7, is supposedly based on a shared sense of responsibility in their region and growing international instability. The pact has a NATO-like stipulation that an attack on one will be considered an attack against all parties.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will hold their first Strategic Political and Defence Committee meeting in Istanbul under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.

Istanbul is hosting the first meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed earlier this month. Top officials from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will be discussing “international security issues” on Monday, August 31, Turkish Foreign Ministry sources said. It is expected to be attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Chief of General Staff Gen. Selcuk Bayraktaroglu. Pakistan is expected to be represented by Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman and Chief of General Staff Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili are also due to attend. Also Read: US judge blocks Trump's deportation of noncitizens over pro-Palestinian speech The discussion is expected to cover enhancing defence capabilities, greater interoperability among their ‌armed ⁠forces and deepening cooperation in the defence industry, including joint production and development. They will also discuss counter terrorism efforts. The meeting is expected to introduce a bureaucracy, an administrative secretariat and other relevant mechanisms that will guide work in areas of joint activity, as will be determined by the Strategic and Political Defence Committee. It will also establish a roadmap for steps to be taken in the coming period. The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia on August 7, is supposedly based on a shared sense of responsibility in their region and growing international instability. The pact has a NATO-like stipulation that an attack on one will be considered an attack against all parties.

Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will hold their first Strategic Political and Defence Committee meeting in Istanbul under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.

Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to hold first defence committee meeting under Mecca pact

US President Donald Trump welcomed the Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as a step towards enhanced cooperation and regional self-reliance. He called the agreement a &nbsp;“BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP.” The pact, signed on August 7, has brought three Islamic nations together and opened the scope for participation from other countries in the region. The agreement significantly reshapes the geopolitical landscape, and the collective defence clause resembles NATO's Article 5.“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!” wrote Trump in a post on the Truth Social platform.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-organisational-reshuffle-smriti-irani-ram-madhav-amit-malviya-1786961277946">BJP reshuffle: Smriti Irani returns as general secretary, Ram Madhav as VP; Amit Malviya dropped from IT Cell</a>Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump, saying the three nations would continue to play a constructive role in the region's defence.&nbsp;He also credited Trump's leadership, which helped “avert a nuclear catastrophe in South Asia”, a characterisation India has rejected in similar past instances regarding third-party mediation. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that New Delhi is closely examining the implications of this "Islamic NATO" from the perspective of its own national security and overall regional stability &nbsp;The agreement, which rejects Israel’s hegemony, declared a “shared commitment to further strengthening their collective security and to promoting peace, security and stability in the region and beyond.” The three countries will also share commitments to resolve conflict between the US and Iran. Iran had also previously touted the deal, claiming it was a shift away from alliances with the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Donald Trump calls the Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan Mecca Joint Defence Agreement a “big, bold” first step as India examines its regional security implications.

US President Donald Trump welcomed the Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as a step towards enhanced cooperation and regional self-reliance. He called the agreement a “BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP.” The pact, signed on August 7, has brought three Islamic nations together and opened the scope for participation from other countries in the region. The agreement significantly reshapes the geopolitical landscape, and the collective defence clause resembles NATO's Article 5. “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!” wrote Trump in a post on the Truth Social platform. Also Read: BJP reshuffle: Smriti Irani returns as general secretary, Ram Madhav as VP; Amit Malviya dropped from IT Cell Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump, saying the three nations would continue to play a constructive role in the region's defence. He also credited Trump's leadership, which helped “avert a nuclear catastrophe in South Asia”, a characterisation India has rejected in similar past instances regarding third-party mediation. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that New Delhi is closely examining the implications of this "Islamic NATO" from the perspective of its own national security and overall regional stability The agreement, which rejects Israel’s hegemony, declared a “shared commitment to further strengthening their collective security and to promoting peace, security and stability in the region and beyond.” The three countries will also share commitments to resolve conflict between the US and Iran. Iran had also previously touted the deal, claiming it was a shift away from alliances with the US.

Donald Trump calls the Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan Mecca Joint Defence Agreement a “big, bold” first step as India examines its regional security implications.

Trump hails Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact as ‘big, bold’ first step

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a landmark trilateral defence agreement known as the Mecca agreement on August 7 amid the US-Iran war and Israeli aggression in the region and disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed hope of the alliance growing and more countries joining the pact.&nbsp;Speaking to London-based Asharq Al-Awsat daily Erdogan said, "Our vision for it is not limited to the three countries, rather we aspire for it to grow, and perhaps appropriate conditions will emerge one day for all countries of the region to gather under its umbrella."&nbsp;According to Erdogan the pact was due to the "new circumstances" in the Middle East with regional players seeking to assume greater responsibility for their own security and stability.&nbsp;"Regional issues should be resolved by regional actors, and with this action, we consider that we have taken a first step toward achieving that goal," he said.&nbsp;"Resolving regional issues must be carried out away from formulas imposed from the outside. We know very well that solutions imported from abroad only bring disasters," he told the Saudi-owned newspaper.&nbsp;Turkey is hopeful of Egypt joining the pact in the next stage, according to Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who said only "a few technical issues" stood in the way.&nbsp;The historic Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.&nbsp;<h2>Why is the trilateral defence pact formed?</h2>&nbsp;The three nations are unified by similar concerns about the Shia revolutionary ideology of Iran, Israeli Zionist expansionism and failure of the US to contain the regional conflict. This is significant as Turkey has the second largest military in NATO, Saudi Arabia, one of the world's largest oil exporters, is home to two of the holiest sites of Islam, Mecca and Medina, and Pakistan is the only Islamic country armed with nuclear power.&nbsp;The pact follows a year of negotiation as Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan ​Fidan said that it favoured a broader regional agreement. It is a build-up on the Saudi-Pakistani pact, which treats an attack on either as an attack on both and encompasses “all military means”. Officials emphasise that this new platform is strictly defensive, intended to stabilise the region, and will not alter or undermine the prior international alliance commitments of any participant.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The three nations are unified by similar concerns about the Shia revolutionary ideology of Iran, Israeli Zionist expansionism and failure of the US to contain the regional conflict. 

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a landmark trilateral defence agreement known as the Mecca agreement on August 7 amid the US-Iran war and Israeli aggression in the region and disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed hope of the alliance growing and more countries joining the pact. Speaking to London-based Asharq Al-Awsat daily Erdogan said, "Our vision for it is not limited to the three countries, rather we aspire for it to grow, and perhaps appropriate conditions will emerge one day for all countries of the region to gather under its umbrella." According to Erdogan the pact was due to the "new circumstances" in the Middle East with regional players seeking to assume greater responsibility for their own security and stability. "Regional issues should be resolved by regional actors, and with this action, we consider that we have taken a first step toward achieving that goal," he said. "Resolving regional issues must be carried out away from formulas imposed from the outside. We know very well that solutions imported from abroad only bring disasters," he told the Saudi-owned newspaper. Turkey is hopeful of Egypt joining the pact in the next stage, according to Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who said only "a few technical issues" stood in the way. The historic Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Why is the trilateral defence pact formed? The three nations are unified by similar concerns about the Shia revolutionary ideology of Iran, Israeli Zionist expansionism and failure of the US to contain the regional conflict. This is significant as Turkey has the second largest military in NATO, Saudi Arabia, one of the world's largest oil exporters, is home to two of the holiest sites of Islam, Mecca and Medina, and Pakistan is the only Islamic country armed with nuclear power. The pact follows a year of negotiation as Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that it favoured a broader regional agreement. It is a build-up on the Saudi-Pakistani pact, which treats an attack on either as an attack on both and encompasses “all military means”. Officials emphasise that this new platform is strictly defensive, intended to stabilise the region, and will not alter or undermine the prior international alliance commitments of any participant.

The three nations are unified by similar concerns about the Shia revolutionary ideology of Iran, Israeli Zionist expansionism and failure of the US to contain the regional conflict.&nbsp;

'Our vision is not limited': Erdogan looks to expand regional defense pact