Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan to sign major defense pact amid Iran tensions

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are expected to sign a major joint defense agreement on Friday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to Reuters and AFP. This pact aims to deepen security cooperation among the three regional powers amid escalating tensions and the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. A source close to the Saudi government stated that "the agreement has been under discussion for a long time, but recent developments in the region accelerated the process." The summit will include Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This alliance, combining Saudi Arabia's economic power, Turkey's military strength, and Pakistan's nuclear capabilities, could significantly alter the regional balance of power and act as a counterweight to Iran.