Politics

TEHRAN — Islamic NATO Pakistan's has indicated that Qatar and Türkiye could soon join an existing mutual defence cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, signalling the possible emergence of a new regional security bloc amid rising geopolitical tensions. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed on Monday that discussions regarding the expansion of the alliance are currently underway. “The arrangement is currently in the process of being finalised,” Asif said during an interview on local television. “If Qatar and Turkey also join this existing agreement, it will be a welcome development.” The reported expansion comes at a time when the recent conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel continues to reshape strategic alliances across the Middle East and South Asia. The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was reportedly signed in 2025 and is believed to contain a collective defence clause under which an attack on one member would be treated as aggression against all signatories, similar to NATO’s Article 5 principle. Analysts say the possible inclusion of Qatar and Türkiye could create a powerful regional alliance combining Saudi and Qatari financial resources, Türkiye’s growing defence industry and military experience, and Pakistan’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Particularly because relations between Riyadh and Ankara had previously experienced years of political rivalry over influence in the Sunni Muslim world. Experts believe the recent regional conflict has accelerated efforts among regional powers to strengthen independent security frameworks rather than relying solely on Western military protection. “As the US prioritises its own interests and that of Israel in the region, changing dynamics and fallout from regional conflicts are prompting countries to develop new mechanisms to identify friends and foes,” said strategist Nihat Ali Ozcan of the Ankara-based think tank TEPAV in remarks cited by international media. Türkiye’s potential participation is viewed as especially significant due to its position as a long-standing member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the alliance’s second-largest military force after the United States. Also Read | Islamic NATO? Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Defence pact Observers also note that Türkiye has rapidly expanded its defence manufacturing capabilities in recent years, becoming a major exporter of drones, military technology, and defence systems. The proposed alliance has already sparked comparisons among some analysts to a “Muslim NATO” or “Islamic NATO,” though no official name or formal structure has been announced. Regional analysts say the evolving partnership could alter the balance of power across the Middle East and South Asia, especially amid ongoing concerns surrounding Iran, maritime security, and broader geopolitical competition in the region. Governments involved have not yet officially confirmed the final structure or timeline for the proposed expanded defence arrangement.