Strategic Shift: Often referred to by media outlets like The Jerusalem Post as an “Islamic NATO,” the alliance stems from regional desire to build an independent security umbrella away from traditional U.S. reliance. Iran and Mecca agreement – AI Mode The Mecca Agreement Unpacked | Carnegie Endowment for International Peace https://carnegieendowment.org/middle-east/diwan/2026/08/the-mecca-agreement-unpacked