Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to hold first defense pact meeting

The pact unites three Sunni Muslim U.S. allies who share concerns regarding Iran's military posture and regional conflicts, particularly after Iranian missile strikes on Gulf oil exporters. The agreement's core objective is to bolster collective deterrence, stipulating that an armed attack against any one signatory will be considered an attack against all, mirroring NATO's Article 5.

Attendees at the Istanbul meeting are expected to include foreign and defense ministers, as well as chiefs of staff from the three nations. Agenda items are anticipated to include enhancing defense capabilities, improving interoperability among their armed forces, and deepening cooperation in the defense industry, potentially leading to joint production and development initiatives.

The three countries are particularly watchful of the military actions of Israel and Iran, amidst ongoing efforts by the U.S. to contain regional instability that has contributed to a global energy crisis. Turkey, possessing NATO's second-largest military, has emphasized that the pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is open for further expansion, with Egypt being considered a potential future member, and that it does not aim to supplant existing alliances.