Erdogan Reveals Details of Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey Defense Pact and Warns Israel

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan detailed the recently signed tripartite defense agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan in an interview with Al-Sharq Al-Awsat on August 12, 2026. He described the pact, concluded in Mecca, as a strategic alliance aimed at enhancing deterrence, regional stability, and solidarity among the member states. Erdogan emphasized that the agreement, based on Article 51 of the UN Charter affirming the right to self-defense, is not targeted against any specific country and is open to other allied nations wishing to join.

Addressing regional tensions, Erdogan highlighted the critical importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global trade and expressed hope for a swift de-escalation of current conflicts to restore safe and stable economic passage. This stance signals Ankara's desire for calm in the Gulf amid rising US-Iran tensions.

Erdogan also sharply criticized Israel's policies, particularly condemning Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which he labeled as aggressive and expansionist, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He voiced support for diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Lebanon and warned against turning the country, already grappling with internal crises, into a battleground for foreign powers. Erdogan stressed Lebanon's need to maintain sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

Regarding Syria, Erdogan described the country as entering a "new historic phase," pledging to respect its territorial integrity and assist in reconstruction. However, he issued a firm warning against any groups in northern Syria threatening Turkey's national security, implicitly referring to Kurdish forces near the border. He praised the Syrian government's efforts to prevent further violent conflicts and focus on stability and economic security.

Concluding, Erdogan called for an end to foreign interference in the Middle East, asserting that regional countries must now take control of their own futures and security, as externally imposed solutions have historically led to disaster.