Talks over a broader Saudi-Pakistani-Turkish framework had already advanced earlier in 2026, building on the bilateral Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement signed in September 2025. Saudi Arabia is not replacing Washington with Ankara and Islamabad. But Turkish participation does not necessarily mean Ankara has accepted Saudi strategic leadership, nor that it would automatically enter every conflict involving Riyadh. “… Middle Eastern countries are becoming increasingly proactive in participating in regional security arrangements, rather than relying entirely on external powers to provide security. “Saudi Arabia sees Mecca as defensive insurance; Iran sees encirclement by a wealthy Arab monarchy, a major NATO military power, and a nuclear-armed Sunni neighbor,” he said.