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Saudi Arabia Pursues Defense Pacts Amid Regional Tensions

1/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Saudi Arabia seeks defense pacts with Somalia, Egypt, and Turkey to influence Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the pacts with Egyptian officials.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is to visit Saudi Arabia to seal a deal.
Experts say notion of an 'Islamic NATO' is overstated due to ideological differences.
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are rising over Sudan and Yemen.

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Story summary

Saudi Arabia seeks defense pacts with Somalia, Egypt, and Turkey to influence Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the pacts with Egyptian officials.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is to visit Saudi Arabia to seal a deal.
Experts say notion of an 'Islamic NATO' is overstated due to ideological differences.
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are rising over Sudan and Yemen.