Trilateral defence pact signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey marks a turning point in the US‑Iran conflict, The Express Tribune reports.

On Friday 4 August 2026, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed a trilateral defence pact, according to the Express Tribune. The pact is described as a culmination of events that have elevated Pakistan’s role in the US‑Iran conflict. The Express Tribune notes that Pakistan has achieved gains in the past six months without firing a bullet. The article states that Pakistan has expanded its strategic reach from South Asia to West Asia and has acted as a source of stability for the region. Pakistan is said to have strengthened Saudi Arabia’s deterrence while maintaining neutral relations with Iran, and to have facilitated diplomatic contacts with the United States without raising concerns for China. The pact is described as institutionalising Pakistan’s role as a stability provider. The article cites commentary from analysts across India, Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the United States and Europe, all of whom acknowledge Pakistan’s emerging importance in the post‑war stability architecture. It also warns that domestic governance challenges remain in Pakistan, and that those challenges could impede the country’s continued diplomatic and strategic gains.