The 'Mecca Alliance' is born: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan change the rules of the game

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed a joint defense alliance, marking a new regional order and a departure from the American vision. Washington fears the nuclear dimension of the alliance and the possibility that Riyadh is seeking security outside the US umbrella. The article emphasizes that although the alliance may be toothless in practice, the political signal is the main thing. Pakistan transferred forces and an air defense battery to Saudi Arabia following a previous agreement from 2025, but when Iranian missiles are fired at the kingdom, Riyadh still turns to Washington. The article warns of a nuclear danger: Turkey's joining the Saudi-Pakistani axis, which has vague nuclear aspects, should raise concern. The Turkish foreign minister, when asked in February whether his country should pursue a bomb, responded with a long silence and a smile. The article highlights the need for the US Congress to prevent Saudi Arabia from having an independent uranium enrichment capability as part of the nuclear deal. The agreement with the US is under Section 123, which regulates civilian uses of nuclear technology and requires safeguards and non-proliferation. The fact that Pakistan is a nuclear power could raise concerns, especially given the possibility that Saudi Arabia enjoys a Pakistani 'nuclear umbrella'. If the alliance expands to the deployment of nuclear weapons, this could create a clash with the non-proliferation regime and jeopardize the American agreement.