Middle East live: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey to sign defence pact on Friday
The pact is aimed at deepening military cooperation as regional tensions rise after Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia, officials said.
- On Friday, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are signing a joint defense agreement in Jeddah, according to a source close to the Saudi army told AFP.
- Foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan met in Cairo on June 21, 2026, to facilitate negotiations for the trilateral defense arrangement.
- Heightened regional tensions preceded the signing, as Iran-backed Houthis killed at least 58 government troops in missile and drone attacks. Military sources report this represents one of the deadliest days in the civil war in four years.
- Houthi rebels injured more than 10 civilians, including a 4-year-old child, in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. Saudi officials noted coordinated drone and missile operations, suggesting a broader threat environment necessitating the new defense collaboration.
- Officials continue monitoring coordinated attacks from both Houthis and Iraqi militias, while President Donald Trump stated he believes the war with Iran will end soon. The new pact underscores a shifting regional defense strategy amid broader volatility.
31 Articles
31 Articles
The Turkish President, the Saudi Crown Prince and Pakistan's Prime Minister apparently want to conclude a defense pact in Jiddah. Details are not yet known.
Follow live the latest developments in the Middle East conflict situation. ...
Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan to sign joint defence pact
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet in Jeddah to formalise a joint agreement. The landmark pact aims to strengthen regional security ties following escalations from the US-Iran conflict.
Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Set to Sign Joint Defence Pact: Report
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. Speculation over the emergence of deeper military cooperation among key Muslim-majority countries has intensified as Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are set to sign a joint defence agreement in Saudi Arabia on Friday, Reuters reported, citing two regional sources with direct knowledge of the development. World News | Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Set to Sign Joint Defence Pact: Report.
Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Set To Sign Joint Defence Pact To Set Up 'Islamic NATO' Alliance: Report
Speculation regarding enhanced military cooperation among Muslim-majority nations is rising as Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan prepare to sign a joint defense agreement in Saudi Arabia. This has sparked talk of an "Islamic NATO" alliance. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif noted that current defense frameworks may expand to include Qatar and Turkiye, fostering regional security.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
