Riyadh: Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are expected to sign a joint defence agreement in Jeddah on Friday, according to sources close to the Saudi military and government, as regional powers deepen security cooperation amid escalating tensions in West Asia. A second source close to the Saudi government, also speaking anonymously, confirmed that the agreement is scheduled to be signed on Friday. The three countries have been the subject of speculation for months over the possibility of forming a broader strategic alliance. Pakistan has sought to mediate efforts to end the US-Iran conflict, while Turkey has been involved in diplomatic initiatives aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan had previously announced a bilateral defence pact in 2025, drawing international attention as Pakistan remains the only nuclear-armed country in the Muslim world.