Mecca Joint Defense Agreement

Egypt has frequently condemned Iranian and Iranian-backed attacks on Gulf countries but has not publicly engaged in direct combat or joined the Mecca mutual defense pact.

The test in Tehran is whether the countries can come away with something practical. Skeptics about the pact's members have argued that the three countries are not making the agreement have teeth.

He also said that the meeting with the Mecca pact members in Tehran would tackle issues such as Israel's 'expansionist' policies, Lebanon, and the US war with Iran.

Saudi Arabia will be represented by Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, and Pakistan by army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, the people said on condition of anonymity.

With so many condemnations pouring in, why would Libya decide now is a good time to bring up this issue?

The permanent secretariat, rotating leadership, regular ministerial meetings, and provision to admit new members suggest something more ambitious than a typical defense-cooperation memorandum.

The lawmaker, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the mandate would be sent to parliament once a bill ratifying the accord has been approved.

As Houthi attacks pressure Riyadh, Israel and US elections complicate Washington’s normalization ambitions, while Saudi public opinion and demands for Palestinian statehood remain obstacles.

A Turkish official said Turkey's own contribution to the Saudi fight against the Houthis was expected to be limited to military equipment, intelligence sharing, and weapons systems.

The Houthis are exposing an uncomfortable reality: Saudi Arabia, despite spending hundreds of billions on defense, remains dangerously vulnerable to an Iranian-backed militia.