Story perspectives

Turkey Explores Defense Pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

1/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Turkey is in talks to join a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, established in September.
The pact designates an attack on one member as an attack on all and could place Turkey under Pakistan's nuclear umbrella.
The move comes amid concerns about a nuclear-armed Iran and shifting U.S. reliability under President Donald Trump.
Turkey's Defense Ministry has not commented on the talks.
Observers say the talks reflect a new era in Turkey-Saudi relations.

1 of 1

Story summary

Turkey is in talks to join a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, established in September.
The pact designates an attack on one member as an attack on all and could place Turkey under Pakistan's nuclear umbrella.
The move comes amid concerns about a nuclear-armed Iran and shifting U.S. reliability under President Donald Trump.
Turkey's Defense Ministry has not commented on the talks.
Observers say the talks reflect a new era in Turkey-Saudi relations.