Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye are coordinating defense strategies in response to Houthi attacks, testing a joint agreement signed in August.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye are coordinating their security responses following reports of increased Houthi attacks on Saudi territory. While Iran has denied controlling the Houthis, sources cited by Reuters allege that Tehran recently requested the group to target Saudi Arabia with promises of increased funding and weapons. In response, military representatives from Pakistan and Türkiye have met in Saudi Arabia to discuss collective defense measures.

The Joint Defense Agreement

The coordination between the three nations is centered on the Joint Defense Agreement signed in Mecca on August 7. The agreement establishes a principle that an attack against one of the three signatory countries is a concern for the others. Officials are currently testing this framework in response to the ongoing crisis in Yemen.

Scope of Military Coordination

Despite the increased cooperation, the three countries have reached an understanding that they will not deploy ground forces into Yemeni territory. Türkiye’s stated objective is to strengthen regional deterrence and defend Saudi territory without being drawn into a wider regional war. Ankara maintains that its participation in these discussions is not directed against any specific country but is intended to prevent the conflict from expanding.

Allegations Regarding Iran

Reports indicate that Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders have allegedly traveled to Yemen to assist in coordinating attacks. If these claims are accurate, the strategy appears intended to increase pressure on Riyadh and complicate its relationship with Washington. However, this pressure may be inadvertently strengthening regional solidarity between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye.