Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defense pact will not include Turkey

Sunday 01 February 2026 - 10:40

By: Sahili Aya

Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defense pact will not include Turkey

Turkey will not join the bilateral defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, a source close to the Saudi military confirmed to AFP on Saturday. This follows statements in mid-January from the Turkish foreign minister suggesting that Ankara was negotiating to join the pact.

Speculation had been growing about the possibility of a trilateral alliance among the three predominantly Muslim countries, with Turkey also being a NATO member. According to the source, the pact “is and will remain a bilateral agreement with Pakistan.” A Gulf official confirmed the information, noting that while Saudi Arabia maintains separate agreements with Turkey, the defense arrangement with Pakistan remains exclusive.

The strategic agreement was originally signed on September 17, 2025, shortly after Israeli strikes on Hamas targets in Doha, which heightened tensions in the Gulf region. In June, Iran retaliated against US targets in Qatar following American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, part of a 12-day conflict sparked by Israeli actions against Iran.

Analysts have raised questions about the potential nuclear dimension of the Saudi-Pakistan pact, as Islamabad possesses nuclear weapons. Reports suggest the agreement could allow Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal to be used to defend Saudi Arabia if necessary.

While Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its alliances, its relationship with Pakistan does not diminish its substantial commercial ties with India, another nuclear power. Riyadh reportedly played a role in calming the recent India-Pakistan conflict in May. India relies heavily on Saudi oil imports, making the kingdom its third-largest supplier, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.