The geopolitical situation in the Middle East is becoming increasingly complex, with Saudi Arabia falling victim to successive attacks. Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are not only attacking Saudi territory but also threatening the crucial Bab al-Mandeb waterway. Simultaneously, drone attacks on Saudi oil installations from Iraq have further complicated the situation. These continuous assaults have raised significant questions about the effectiveness of the 'Makkah Joint Defense Agreement' signed between Riyadh, Islamabad, and Ankara, becoming a cause for deep concern regarding regional stability.
Recently, Houthis have launched attacks in Saudi Arabia's Jazan province. According to Saudi Civil Defense, last Sunday, a missile or drone struck the Al-Tuwal area of Jazan, damaging several homes, vehicles, and a mosque. As Jazan is a province bordering Yemen, such attacks are not new there. Saudi authorities have strongly condemned this Houthi attack as an assault on civilian infrastructure and a grave violation of international humanitarian law. Earlier, on September 8, Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on the Sharurah military base in Saudi Arabia's Najran province. On that day, a large-scale attack targeting Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jizan, and Najran resulted in 73 injuries, including women and children, according to Saudi authorities.
In addition to Yemen, attacks on Saudi Arabia have also originated from Iraq. On September 12, following a drone attack launched from Iraq, Saudi Arabia was forced to temporarily shut down its highly critical East-West oil pipeline. The Iraqi government admitted that this attack was carried out from Iraq's Maysan province, which borders Iran. Following the incident, Baghdad removed a military commander from duty in that province and initiated an investigation, indicating the seriousness of the attack and Iraq's internal response.
This approximately 1200-kilometer-long pipeline is strategically vital for Saudi Arabia. It serves as the main route for exporting Saudi oil to various global markets, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. This pipeline transports about 4 to 5 percent of the world's total oil supply. Consequently, if it remains closed for an extended period, it could have a significant impact on the international oil market. Despite the attack from Iraq, Saudi Arabia did not immediately take any retaliatory military action. Riyadh has decided to exercise restraint for now, after the Iraqi Prime Minister assured that steps would be taken to control the situation.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Saudi Arabia would support any initiatives Baghdad undertakes to prevent the use of Iraqi territory for attacks against neighboring countries. However, Riyadh also made it clear that it reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and vital installations. This statement emphasizes Saudi Arabia's caution and right to self-defense, highlighting its policy stance in the face of growing regional threats.
These continuous attacks on Saudi Arabia are occurring at a time when the country has established a new defense framework with Pakistan and Turkey. In September 2025, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a mutual defense agreement. Subsequently, when Turkey joined in August of this year, the alliance became known as the 'Makkah Joint Defense Agreement'. The three countries have also formed a joint secretariat in Riyadh, which is expected to accelerate the implementation of this agreement.
The primary objective of this agreement is to strengthen joint defense and security cooperation among the three member states. However, the detailed framework outlining the specific military actions other countries would take if a member state is attacked under the agreement has not yet been fully disclosed. This ambiguity raises questions about the agreement's effectiveness in the current situation. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif recently stated that Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia if it is attacked without provocation. His comment carries an indication of the agreement's potential application, highlighting the importance of regional alliances.
In this new phase of ongoing conflict in the Middle East, successive attacks on Saudi Arabia are severely challenging regional stability. Only time will tell whether the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement can play an effective role in addressing this challenge, or if it will remain merely a symbolic alliance. The future implementation of this agreement could open a new chapter in the balance of power in the Middle East, becoming a significant topic of discussion for regional and international observers.
