Erdogan Tells Trump Mecca Defense Agreement Strengthens Regional Security

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has told US President Donald Trump that the recently signed Mecca Joint Defense Agreement represents a strong commitment by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to promote security and stability across the region.

The two leaders discussed the agreement during a telephone conversation on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the Turkish presidency.

Their discussion also covered Turkey–United States relations and several regional and international developments, including tensions between Iran and the United States and the ongoing peace process in Gaza.

Erdogan Highlights Three-Nation Defense Cooperation

Erdogan said the defense agreement signed by Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia demonstrates the three countries’ determination to support regional peace and security.

The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement establishes a framework for closer security and military cooperation among the three Muslim-majority countries.

Its collective-defense provision states that an attack against one of the signatories would be treated as an attack against all three.

Officials from the participating countries have maintained that the agreement is defensive and is not directed against Iran or any other specific country.

The pact is expected to support greater coordination in areas such as defense planning, military training and regional deterrence.

Turkey and US Discuss Bilateral Relations

Erdogan and Trump also reviewed relations between Ankara and Washington.

Turkey is a member of NATO and possesses one of the alliance’s largest military forces. Its strategic location between Europe, the Middle East and the Caucasus gives Ankara an important role in regional security and diplomatic initiatives.

Although Turkey and the United States have occasionally disagreed on regional policies, the two governments continue to cooperate on defense, trade and international security.

The conversation between Erdogan and Trump reflects continuing engagement between the two NATO allies during a period of growing instability in the Middle East.

Erdogan Calls for Diplomacy Between Iran and US

The Turkish president stressed the importance of making full use of diplomatic channels to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States.

Erdogan expressed hope that negotiations between Washington and Tehran would continue and said Turkey was prepared to support initiatives aimed at reaching a peaceful settlement.

Turkey shares a border with Iran and has repeatedly warned that a prolonged conflict could create serious security, economic and humanitarian consequences for the wider region.

Ankara has criticised attacks launched by the United States and Israel against Iran while also expressing concern over Iranian strikes targeting Gulf countries.

Turkey has called for an end to military escalation and the restoration of diplomatic negotiations.

Gaza Peace Process Also Discussed

Erdogan also raised concerns about what he described as an increase in Israeli actions against Palestinians while efforts continue to advance the second phase of the Gaza peace process.

The Turkish leader has frequently criticised Israel’s military operations in Gaza and called for stronger international action to protect Palestinian civilians.

According to the Turkish presidency, Erdogan told Trump that Turkey would continue supporting measures aimed at establishing lasting peace in the region.

He also reiterated Ankara’s commitment to the reconstruction of Gaza following the extensive destruction caused by the conflict.

Agreement Reflects Changing Regional Security Landscape

The conversation highlights Turkey’s attempt to combine military cooperation with diplomatic engagement.

Through the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, Ankara is strengthening its security relationship with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. At the same time, it continues to advocate negotiations between Iran and the United States and support diplomatic efforts concerning Gaza.

The agreement also reflects a growing desire among regional powers to coordinate more closely on security issues without abandoning their existing international partnerships.

For Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the pact could provide a structured platform for joint planning, collective deterrence and cooperation during regional crises.

Erdogan’s message to Trump suggests that Ankara wants the agreement to be viewed as a contribution to stability rather than the creation of a military bloc targeting another country.