Trump Hails 3-Nation Mecca Defence Pact as US Allies Test Security Beyond Washington
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 17
Trump Hails 3-Nation Mecca Defence Pact as US Allies Test Security Beyond Washington
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Aug 17
Summary
Trump praised the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed 10 days ago by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan, saying it showed regional countries could defend themselves more meaningfully.
The endorsement fits his push for allies to carry more of their own military burden after NATO lifted its spending target from 2% of GDP to 5% by 2035 and as he moved to scale back some drills with South Korea.
Analysts said the pact reflects doubts about US protection after the February 28 US-Israel war on Iran exposed Gulf vulnerability, though some see it as diversification rather than a full US retreat.
The treaty mirrors NATO's Article 5 language, but assistance is not automatic: members must request help and each state can decide the timing, scope and type of support.
Even supporters say the pact adds a new deterrence layer rather than replacing the US presence, which still includes about 50,000 troops across the region.