Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to 'sign defence pact' on Friday

Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan are set to sign a defense pact on Friday, according to sources in Ankara who spoke to Middle East Eye. This agreement, which has been under negotiation for the past year, represents a significant new trilateral framework in the region following recent Israeli and US attacks on Iran. Saudi analysts have previously indicated that Riyadh might activate the defense pact it holds with Pakistan if it becomes involved in a war with Iran.

The proposed deal for Friday could have similar implications for Turkey, which is already an ally of the US and NATO. However, the exact terms of the Friday deal, particularly in terms of mutual defense obligations, remain unclear. It is anticipated that the agreement will be signed in Mecca, one of the holiest sites in Islam, by the leaders of the three predominantly Muslim nations.