Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan form defence pact similar to NATO’s Article 5, signalling Gulf shift beyond U.S. umbrella.

A defence pact has been signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The agreement was described by the Turkish government as technically the same as NATO’s Article 5, which guarantees collective defence. Pakistani officials said the new alliance is purely defensive and that it remains open to additional partners. The pact comes at a time when regional tensions around Iran are increasing. China has expressed a “wait‑and‑see” position regarding the new alliance, observing that it signals a possible shift of Gulf security circles beyond the U.S. security umbrella. The pact is being monitored by other regional actors, many of whom are concerned about how it might alter the balance of power in the Middle East.