Erdogan and Trump Discuss Regional Security and the Mecca Agreement
The Turkish presidency stated on Monday evening that Turkish President “Recep Tayyip Erdogan” discussed by phone with his U.S. counterpart, President “Donald Trump”, developments in the war in Iran and the Gaza Strip, in addition to the Mecca Mutual Defense Agreement signed between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, amid continued security and political tensions in the region.
During the call, “Erdogan” noted that the Mecca Mutual Defense Agreement reflects — according to the Turkish presidency — a strong position to ensure regional security, at a time when conflicts and threats in the region are escalating.
Makkah Al-Mukarramah had witnessed the signing of the agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, in a step aimed at strengthening defense cooperation and establishing a framework for collective deterrence, thereby contributing to supporting security and stability at both the regional and international levels.
The agreement was signed during the Mecca Mutual Defense Summit, which brought together Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince “Mohammed bin Salman”, Turkish President “Recep Tayyip Erdogan”, and Pakistani Prime Minister “Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif”. During the summit, the leaders discussed relations between the three countries, along with a range of regional and international issues of common interest.
The Mecca Mutual Defense Agreement stipulates that any armed attack targeting one of the three countries shall be considered an attack against all participating states, thereby strengthening the principle of collective defense and deterrence and affirming the commitment of the signatory states to confront threats targeting their security and sovereignty.
The agreement also aims to expand areas of defense and military cooperation, enhance coordination among the three countries, and raise the level of readiness and ability to deal with common security challenges.
Iran and Gaza at the Heart of the Call
“Erdogan” and “Trump” also discussed during the call developments in the war in Iran and the Gaza Strip, at a time when regional and international efforts aimed at containing the escalation and reopening channels of negotiations are intensifying.
“Erdogan” stressed to “Trump” the importance of continuing talks with Iran and making use of the diplomatic path to resolve disputes, pointing to Türkiye’s readiness to contribute to efforts aimed at advancing political and diplomatic solutions, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency.
Iran and the United States had reached a temporary agreement in June that stipulated the “immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts”, but the understanding quickly collapsed after “Trump” announced on July 7 that the agreement was “over”.
Under the memorandum of understanding, Tehran and Washington were scheduled to enter negotiations to reach a final agreement addressing broader issues, including the future of Iran’s nuclear program, within a maximum period of 60 days extendable with the approval of both parties, a deadline that expired today, Monday.
Regarding Gaza, the Turkish presidency stated that “Erdogan” told “Trump” that Israel continues its attacks on Palestinians in the Strip, at a time when the second phase of the peace strategy was supposed to begin.
“Trump” had announced last month that Hamas had agreed to gradually disarm, as part of a 15-point roadmap proposed by what is known as the “Board of Peace” affiliated with the U.S. president, alongside the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Hamas announced its approval of the roadmap, but stressed that its implementation depends on Israel first fulfilling its obligations, foremost among them halting attacks and withdrawing from the Strip.
The movement is demanding that Israel adhere to the ceasefire and withdraw its forces from Gaza, while the dispute between the two sides remains regarding the sequence of steps and the timeline for implementing “Trump’s” plan aimed at ending the war.
According to data from health officials in Gaza and the Israeli military, the number of Palestinians killed in Gaza since October has exceeded 1,200, in addition to the deaths of four Israeli soldiers.
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Author’s Name: Consultant Faisal Al-Mutairi.
Publication Date: August 18, 2026.
Updated: August 2026.
