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Saudi, Turkey, Pakistan sign Mecca Defense Agreement to respond

8/17/2026

40 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca Defense Agreement in August, pledging to respond to attacks.
Gulf officials and a U.S. diplomat say frustration and anger toward President Donald Trump’s handling of Iran have peaked since the war began.
An official called the Mecca pact “a signal to the US” while standing at the July 8, 2026 Najaf funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed on February 28 in Israeli-U.S. airstrikes.

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Story summary

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca Defense Agreement in August, pledging to respond to attacks.
Gulf officials and a U.S. diplomat say frustration and anger toward President Donald Trump’s handling of Iran have peaked since the war began.
An official called the Mecca pact “a signal to the US” while standing at the July 8, 2026 Najaf funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed on February 28 in Israeli-U.S. airstrikes.