Politics · Singapore Bureau
Turkey eyes broader Muslim defence pact including Iran
Turkey's parliament speaker has suggested a defence agreement between Ankara, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan could expand into a wider coalition encompassing the broader Muslim world, including Iran. The pact is expected to be submitted for parliamentary ratification next month.
LSN Singapore ·
ANKARA — Turkey's parliament speaker floated the possibility on Friday that a tripartite defence accord involving Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan could evolve into a more expansive security arrangement spanning the Muslim world.
The comments suggest ambitions to broaden the existing pact beyond its current three signatories, with Iran named as a potential future participant. The statement indicates Turkey's diplomatic strategy to position itself as a unifying force within Muslim-majority nations on matters of defence and security.
The speaker indicated that the agreement is on track for submission to parliament for ratification beginning next month, signalling momentum toward formalising the arrangement. The timeline suggests the three nations are advancing discussions and preparing the accord for formal legislative approval.
The potential inclusion of Iran in such a framework would represent a significant geopolitical development in the region, given existing tensions among various Muslim-majority states. Any expansion of the pact would require agreement from all prospective members and could reshape regional security dynamics in South and Southeast Asia.