Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan Sign Mutual Defense Pact Amid Iran Concerns

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed a mutual defense agreement to deepen security cooperation among the three Muslim powers. The pact, signed on Friday in Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, states that any armed attack against one country will be considered an attack against all three. This agreement comes amid Saudi Arabia's growing fears of a potential Iranian attack and the possibility of conflict involving Israel and Turkey.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry described the pact as a measure to strengthen collective deterrence against aggression. It also enhances military collaboration through intelligence sharing and technological cooperation. The agreement is expected to lead to joint military exercises in the near future.

A Turkish official told Reuters that the defense pact is not directed against any specific country and does not replace existing agreements, including Turkey's commitments as a NATO member. The official also noted that other regional countries may join the agreement in the future.