Saudi Arabia builds defensive pacts to counter Iran-backed attacks

Saudi Arabia is increasingly relying on regional defensive alliances to deter attacks from Iran and its network of allies, even as it tries to avoid being drawn into a wider conflict. The kingdom has faced a series of strikes on its oil infrastructure and shipping, and has responded with limited military action, including joint airstrikes with the United States on Iraqi militias.

Riyadh has announced a maritime defence coalition for the Red Sea and a trilateral defence pact with Turkey and Pakistan, signed in Mecca. These moves are intended to signal a willingness to escalate, but analysts say they have so far failed to prevent further attacks. One Middle Eastern official noted that adversaries appear to be exploiting Saudi Arabia's clear desire to avoid war.

"This is all very concerning and is exactly what Saudi Arabia wanted to avoid," said Aziz al-Ghashian, a Saudi analyst. "Iran and its affiliates think Saudi won't respond. They understood restraint as basically an acceptance of being targeted."

The new defence agreement with Turkey and Pakistan carries symbolic weight, framed as Muslim nations pledging to defend each other. However, its practical role remains unclear. Turkish officials have compared it to NATO's Article 5, requiring consultations before any support is provided. Pakistan, under its existing pact with Riyadh, has so far avoided direct military engagement.

On its southern border, Saudi Arabia faces renewed threats from Yemen's Houthis, who ended a four-year truce and declared a naval blockade. The Houthi attacks have highlighted the kingdom's vulnerability to asymmetric warfare, recalling the 2019 strikes that halved Saudi oil production. Riyadh now wants the Yemeni government to lead any offensive and has pushed for a multinational coalition to protect Red Sea shipping.

Fourteen regional countries have signed on to the maritime coalition, with more expected. Western diplomats say European nations are still considering whether to join, wary of deeper involvement in Yemen. Saudi Arabia hopes to formally announce the coalition soon, with meetings planned in Jeddah.