Key facts
- Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed a joint defense pact in Mecca.
- The UAE and Israel expressed concern over the new defense pact.
- Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The U.S. has demanded the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Israel has permitted Jewish prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
- Palestinian sources describe the Al-Aqsa Mosque prayer permission as a status quo violation.
- The UAE denied having 'imperial ambitions' in Africa.
- Reports detail the UAE's expanding interests in Africa, including port operations and mining.
- Turkish President Erdogan urged President Trump to continue talks with Iran.
- Erdogan offered Turkey's support for peace efforts with Iran.
- The leaders discussed the war in Gaza.
- The leaders discussed the defense pact between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
A significant new joint defense pact has been signed in Mecca by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, a development that has surprised and concerned the United Arab Emirates and Israel. This agreement is viewed as a potential counterweight to the growing security cooperation between the UAE and Israel, possibly intensifying existing regional rivalries.
In parallel, Iran and Oman are reportedly nearing a deal concerning maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz. While details are still being finalized, Iran has announced an understanding with Oman on a plan for ships to navigate the vital waterway. The United States has stipulated the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as a key demand, and it remains uncertain whether this emerging agreement will satisfy Washington's criteria.
Further complicating the regional landscape, Israeli authorities have formally permitted Jewish prayer inside Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. Palestinian sources describe this as an unprecedented violation of the site's established status quo, noting that the official permission allows Jewish worshippers to bring prayer books and conduct group prayers.
Meanwhile, the UAE has publicly rejected accusations of "imperial ambitions" in Africa, characterizing such narratives as "patronising" and "outdated." This rebuttal comes in the wake of reports detailing the Gulf state's expanding military and economic interests across the African continent, which include port operations, mining investments, and alleged support for Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In diplomatic exchanges, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to persist with diplomatic talks with Iran, offering Turkey's support for peace efforts. The leaders also addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the recently established defense pact between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.