More countries may be added to the Islamic NATO formed in Mecca. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have started preparations for this. Initially, countries like Egypt and Bahrain are being considered for inclusion. Both countries have long been associated with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Tehran is constantly attacking Bahrain because of its friendship with Saudi Arabia during the Iran War. Meanwhile, Egypt faces threats from Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
Saudi Arabia has included Turkey in the Islamic NATO to protect itself from the Houthi rebels. Currently, the Houthi rebels pose a significant threat to Saudi Arabia. On Tuesday, Houthi rebels attacked a cargo ship in the Red Sea, killing two Pakistani nationals.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed a defense pact in Mecca. Accordingly, an attack on any one of these three countries would be considered an attack on all three. There is a similar provision in the NATO constitution. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have described the agreement as defensive.